In a significant move to address income disparity, the Chinese government has banned influencers and celebrities from flaunting their luxurious lifestyles on social media. This directive aims to promote a more equitable distribution of wealth and aligns with President Xi Jinping’s vision of “common prosperity,” which seeks to ensure that all Chinese citizens share in the nation’s economic growth.
Chinese social media platforms, including Weibo (similar to Twitter), Xiaohongshu (akin to Instagram), and Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), have started cracking down on influencers known for showcasing their opulent lifestyles. The action is part of a broader effort to tackle the country’s growing income inequality.
According to a report by Business Insider, President Xi Jinping’s “common prosperity” campaign is a key driver behind this initiative. The campaign advocates for a more balanced wealth distribution to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Data from Nikkei Asia highlights the disparity, showing that the average household income of the richest 20% in urban China is 6.3 times that of the poorest 20%.
In April, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced that celebrities and influencers would no longer be allowed to “show off wealth” or indulge in “extravagant pleasure” on social media. This policy aims to curb behaviors that might exacerbate social tensions and promote unhealthy values.
The enforcement of this ban has led to substantial actions on major social media platforms:
Weibo, with nearly 600 million active users, has “cleaned up” 1,110 posts deemed to flaunt wealth or promote “bad values.” The platform has also banned or suspended 27 accounts.
Douyin reported the removal of 4,701 messages and 11 accounts between May 1 and May 7.
Xiaohongshu has taken down 4,273 “illegal” posts and closed 383 accounts in the past two weeks.
High-profile influencers have been significantly impacted by this crackdown. Wang Hongquanxing, often referred to as “China’s Kim Kardashian” due to his 4.3 million followers on Douyin, had his account removed. Known for showcasing his collection of rare Hermès bags and jade jewelry, Wang’s online presence epitomized the luxury lifestyle now being targeted by authorities.
Other notable influencers affected include Baoyu Jiajie, known as “Sister Abalone,” who had over 2 million followers and was famous for giving tours of her luxurious homes. Additionally, Bo Gogzi, known as “Mr. Bo,” who gained popularity for filming himself test-driving Rolls Royces and splurging on rare Hermes Birkin bags, also had his accounts restricted.
According to state-owned media outlet The Cover, this ban is part of China’s broader effort to create a “social-ecological environment that is civilized, healthy, and harmonious.” The government hopes that by curbing the online display of wealth, it will foster a more inclusive and respectful social atmosphere.
In summary, the Chinese government’s ban on flaunting wealth on social media is a bold step towards addressing income inequality and promoting social harmony. By curtailing the display of extravagant lifestyles, the initiative seeks to reinforce the values of modesty and common prosperity, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more equally among all citizens.
