On December 16th, the Chinese social media platform TikTok announced new regulations requiring financial creators to obtain professional qualifications. Unauthorized accounts are banned from posting professional content or promoting related services. Furthermore, the rules prohibit spreading “malicious” negativity about the economy, sparking controversy.
Amid China’s ongoing economic downturn, the Communist Party officials have emphasized promoting the narrative of an “economic prosperity.” In this context, TikTok released the “TikTok Community Financial Industry Convention (Trial)” on December 16th. The guidelines specify requirements for account qualifications, content management, marketing behavior, as well as procedures for handling violations and accountability mechanisms.
Regarding account verification, TikTok mandates that financial creators must complete the platform’s financial professional qualification certification before releasing any financial content. Unauthorized accounts without certification are not allowed to post financial content or recommend financial services/products.
In terms of content management, TikTok encourages financial creators to share objective, neutral financial knowledge and educate users on financial literacy continuously. The platform prohibits engaging in “malicious” activities such as spreading negativity about economic development, disrupting financial market order, or defaming the financial industry. Distorting interpretations of stock markets, foreign exchange markets, real estate markets, financial policies, or macroeconomic data is also forbidden.
For violations, depending on the severity, frequency, and impact of the breaches, TikTok will issue warnings, traffic restrictions, profit withdrawal, content posting suspensions, or permanent bans on accounts and content distribution.
Vice President of TikTok Group, Li Liang, stated that the introduction of the convention aims to combat unqualified accounts disseminating professional financial content. Li emphasized that while sharing objective and compliant financial experiences daily is allowed, having qualifications does not give carte blanche to speak without responsibility.
The news quickly became a hot topic online.
Attorney Bai Xufeng from Beijing Zhongtong Law Firm questioned, “Can ordinary people not discuss finance anymore? Or is it only about prohibiting non-professionals from posting professional content? Can ordinary individuals share non-professional financial content as long as they clarify it is not professional? Are certified accounts required to specify they are posting professional financial content rather than rumors?”
Financial blogger “Financially Savvy Blue” commented, “TikTok’s release of the Financial Industry Governance Convention prohibits non-financially certified accounts from posting financial professional content. So now, we can’t even complain about losing money in the stock market?”
Netizens expressed various opinions, noting that professionalism in the financial sector varies, and ideologies are complex. Some sarcastically remarked that the new regulations create a closed loop system where certified individuals are afraid to speak, while uncertified ones are prohibited, leaving room only for applause. Others cynically suggested that soon all platforms would implement similar rules, implying a future where only certified individuals have a voice in specific fields.