How is China putting influencers on a leash?

3 ways. Tax: Viya was ordered to pay about $210 million in taxes, penalties and fees. Credentials: regulated professional content including health, finance, law and education requires qualifications. Labels: since February 1, 2026, AI commerce hosts must be continuously identified as AI, and the operator stays liable. In the West influencers fear the algorithm. In China the algorithm has a boss.