Author
Ms Hoang Thi Dung
Organisation/Institution
Hanoi Law University
Country
VIETNAM
Panel
Law and Society
Title
China’s Credential-Based Controls on Specialized Digital Content: A Targeted Approach to Combating Health and Legal Misinformation in Asia
Abstract
In the rapidly expanding digital environment, social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram have become deeply embedded in daily life across Asia. As information circulates at an unprecedented speed, controlling its accuracy has become increasingly challenging—especially in sensitive fields like healthcare and law, where misinformation can directly affect public health, rights, and safety. The highly specialized nature of medical and legal knowledge further limits the public’s ability to verify the accuracy of the content they encounter. While public demand for accessible legal and health information is high, their limited ability to assess technical information creates a fertile ground for misinformation and associated risks. In response to these concerns, China has implemented a credential-based regulatory model that requires professional verification for online content creation to ensure accuracy and public trust. This paper examines China’s “credential-based controls” as an emerging approach to digital information governance, analyzing it from the perspective of technology regulation and freedom of expression, especially in high-risk domains related to public health and legal education. Using a comparative analytical method, the paper studies China’s regulatory framework, evaluates its effectiveness in enhancing information quality and public credibility, and considers its relevance for sustainable governance in Asia. At the same time, the paper highlights key challenges, including potential restrictions on free speech and barriers for non-certified individuals who wish to share knowledge. Based on these findings, the study proposes policy recommendations aimed at balancing misinformation control with the protection of freedom of expression, contributing to the development of a responsible and effective legal framework for specialized digital content across Asia.
Biography
I hold a Bachelor of Laws and have developed expertise in Intellectual Property Law and Chinese Civil Law through both academic study and professional experience. My interest in these areas arises from a desire to understand how legal frameworks respond to technological, economic, and social changes, particularly in contexts that require cross-border and comparative legal perspectives. I have actively engaged in academic discourse by participating in faculty-level and school-level seminars, which have allowed me to present research ideas, discuss complex legal issues, and receive constructive feedback from peers and faculty members. These experiences have strengthened my analytical, communication, and presentation skills while deepening my understanding of legal scholarship. Driven by a passion for research, I aspire to pursue a full-time career as a legal researcher. I aim to contribute to rigorous, evidence-based studies in Intellectual Property Law and Chinese Civil Law, with a focus on examining legal reforms, policy implementation, and the intersection of international and domestic legal standards. My research interests include exploring the legal mechanisms that support innovation, creativity, and economic development, particularly within the Chinese legal system. In addition to my technical expertise, I bring strong research, writing, and problem-solving skills, as well as experience in collaborative academic settings. By continuing to engage in seminars, conferences, and scholarly projects, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the fields of IP and Chinese civil law, advance comparative legal knowledge, and build a sustained career as a full-time legal researcher.
