Round Table China Genuine life-sharing or paid advertising?
5 snips
Jul 21, 2025 Explore the blurry lines between genuine sharing and paid advertising on social media. Discover the implications of a recent case where someone faced fines for a food recommendation, highlighting stricter regulations. Delve into the ethics of personal posts on platforms like WeChat and how they can be perceived as ads. Learn about the crucial need for clear labeling in social media marketing while maintaining authenticity. Plus, hear about the power of individual actions in fighting climate change and the importance of conscious choices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Confusing Personal Posts for Ads
- A woman in Shandong posted a Douyin video recommending her own restaurant dish and got fined over $62,700 for allegedly violating ad laws.
- The fine was revoked and officials suspended, sparking debate about when personal sharing becomes advertising.
False Claims on WeChat Fined
- A Shanghai sales director was fined for false advertising using medical terms on his personal WeChat moment.
- The fine ignited debates on whether WeChat Moment promotions should count as commercial ads.
Algorithms Make Platforms Advertisers
- If platforms actively push user content using algorithms, they lose neutrality and become co-publishers of ads.
- Platforms can be held liable for boosted content with commercial intent, even without charging money.