China Cracks Down on Online Health Content to Curb Misinformation

China's cyberspace and health regulators are increasing oversight of online health science content. This move comes as more medical professionals use social media to share educational materials, a trend that has also led to profit-driven abuse and misinformation.

The focus of these efforts will be on verifying the medical credentials of content creators. The new regulations also require source attribution and ban advertisements for medical or healthcare products. The aim is to promote accurate health knowledge while curbing the spread of false and misleading information.

Internet platforms are now required to verify the medical licenses or employment certificates of content creators. These creators must be affiliated with medical institutions, schools, or pharmaceutical research institutes. Existing social media accounts have two months to verify their credentials, while newly registered accounts will be barred from posting health-related content until certified.

Creators must cite sources for their health education content and disclose the use of AI-generated material or dramatizations of historical medical cases. Platforms are responsible for informing influencers about their responsibility to ensure the scientific accuracy and authenticity of their content.

All forms of advertisements for medical services, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or health foods are prohibited. The regulations also target misconduct such as illegal online consultations, sexually suggestive content disguised as health education, fabricated narratives promoting products, and the impersonation of licensed physicians.

Local authorities are instructed to guide platforms in improving oversight and to direct hospitals to monitor the conduct of medical workers online, with penalties for violations. Market regulators will investigate illegal advertising activities.

Common violations by doctors who are also influencers include directing followers to offline services, offering illegal online consultations, selling products via livestreams, and prescribing overpriced medications. Patients must first undergo offline diagnosis and receive a clear medical assessment before pursuing follow-ups through qualified online hospitals.

A recent report analyzing health science videos found that a large percentage of China's internet users view health education content on short-video platforms. The report also found that surgery is the most frequently featured medical specialty online, with respiratory diseases and thyroid/breast nodules drawing high traffic.

The report warns of rising homogeneity and content that stokes fear about certain diseases. It also highlights growing concerns about AI-generated medical content, citing risks to patient privacy and public trust. Regulatory intervention is needed to curb malpractice and ensure sustainable development of online health science communication.