Luxury influencers disappear from Chinese social media amid wealth crackdown

Chinese social media censors have blocked multiple influencers known for showing off their lavish lifestyles after an official campaign to curb displays of ostentatious wealth online was announced.

The Douyin account of Wang Hongquan, a content creator who amassed more than four million followers with videos showcasing designer suits, first-class flights and his jade jewelry collection, was no longer accessible on Tuesday.

An error message displayed on the Chinese version of TikTok said Wang's account had been blocked “due to violations of Douyin's community guidelines.”

China's internet watchdog launched the “Clear and Bright” campaign in April to remove unwanted content from social media, vowing to crack down on influencers who created “ostentatious characters to satisfy vulgar needs and deliberately display extravagant lifestyles.” full of money.”

Chinese state media reported that Wang's videos disappeared from Douyin earlier this month, along with the accounts of several other luxury influencers.

“Sister Abalone,” a woman who filmed her elaborately decorated mansion and was regularly seen festooned with diamond and pearl necklaces, also appeared to have been attacked.

His videos were no longer visible on the YouTube-like site Bilibili on Tuesday.

“Young Master Bo,” an influencer who filmed himself testing Rolls Royces and splurging on rare Hermes Birkin bags, also disappeared from Douyin on Tuesday, with his account displaying an error message saying he had “violated relevant laws and regulations.” .

In recent years, China's communist government has sought to tighten the reins on social media celebrities, with authorities frequently criticizing the “cult of money” and “vulgar” content.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's “common prosperity” initiative to reduce economic inequality has also resulted in massive fines for live streaming influencers, with “live streaming queen” Viya forced to pay a $204 fine. million dollars for tax evasion in 2021.