Rich Social Media Influencers Banned in China for Showing Off Wealthy Lifestyles

In a bold move to combat the promotion of materialism and ostentatious displays of wealth, Chinese social media platforms have begun cracking down on influencers who flaunt lavish lifestyles for profit. The Cyberspace Administration of China initiated a campaign in April to discourage the showcasing of extravagant wealth on platforms like Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu.

One of the casualties of this crackdown is Wang Hongquanxing, known as “China’s Kim Kardashian,” who had amassed 4.3 million followers on Douyin. Other influencers, such as “Sister Abalone” and “Mr Bo,” who showcased luxurious homes and promoted luxury goods, have also faced restrictions on their accounts.

Weibo’s guidelines now prohibit influencers from flaunting luxury homes and cars to promote products, displaying large sums of cash, and using minors to attract attention. This crackdown is not new, as China had previously implemented measures in 2021 to curb influencers from posting “unethical” content.

In addition to cracking down on displays of wealth, Chinese authorities are also targeting influencers who spread misinformation online. Influencer “Thurman Maoyibei” had her accounts seized after sharing a fabricated story about finding a Chinese student’s missing homework books in a Paris coffee shop. The incident sparked a viral campaign to locate the student, leading to the Ministry of Public Security taking action against the spread of misinformation.

The influencer issued an apology for “polluting the internet,” and could potentially face warnings or detention as punishment for her actions. The crackdown on influencers spreading false information is part of China’s broader efforts to regulate online content and combat the dissemination of fake news.

While Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu have not yet responded to requests for comment on these recent developments, it is clear that Chinese social media platforms are taking a firm stance against influencers who promote materialism and spread misinformation. As the crackdown continues, influencers will need to adhere to stricter guidelines to avoid facing consequences for their online behavior.