Author
Mr Tran Dao Viet Hung
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 (LLB) and have developed expertise in Administrative Law through both academic study and practical experience. My interest in this field stems from a desire to understand how legal frameworks shape governance, public administration, and the implementation of policies in dynamic socio-political contexts. I have actively engaged in academic discourse by participating in faculty-level and school-level seminars, including presenting a seminar paper at the Vietnam–Passau International Seminar, a collaborative academic forum organized between Vietnam and the University of Passau, Germany. At this seminar, I presented research on the role of Commercial Legal Entities in Criminal Law, analyzing legal principles, regulatory challenges, and comparative perspectives between Vietnamese and German law. This experience allowed me to engage with international scholars, receive feedback on my research approach, and enhance my comparative legal analysis skills. In recognition of my research abilities, I was awarded the second prize in the School Research Paper Competition and have also won multiple moot court competitions, demonstrating my practical advocacy skills and ability to apply legal theory to real-world scenarios. Driven by a passion for scholarship, I aspire to pursue a full-time career as a legal researcher, focusing on Administrative Law, policy implementation, and legal reform. My goal is to contribute to rigorous, evidence-based research that informs governance, strengthens legal frameworks, and promotes effective administrative practices. In addition to my technical expertise, I bring strong writing, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, honed through seminars, competitions, and academic projects. By continuing to engage in scholarly activities and international forums, I aim to advance legal knowledge and build a sustained career as a full-time legal researcher.
