China bans wealth-flaunting gesture on social media

Popular Chinese influencers, known for flaunting their luxurious lifestyles, have disappeared from social media platforms due to a government crackdown on conspicuous displays of wealth, NBC News is reporting.

One such influencer is Wang Hongquan, dubbed ‘China’s Kim Kardashian, who has been banned from social media for showcasing his lavish lifestyle.

Hongquan, who has 4.4 million followers on Douyin (China’s Tik Tok), often boasted about owning seven luxury properties and never leaving home with less than $1.4 million in clothing and jewellery.

Videos he posted, though unverified, showed maids, numerous Hermès handbags, and expensive sports cars.

His social media profiles on Douyin and Xiaohongshu were removed due to a “violation of self-discipline,” Forbes reported.

Other influencers with similar content, like Bo Gongzi (Young Wealthy Lord Bai) and Baoyu Jiajie (Abalone Sister), also had their Douyin accounts blocked.

Last month, the Cyberspace Administration of China launched a crackdown on influencers promoting a “wealth-flaunting” persona to attract followers.

This action is part of the authorities’ efforts to regulate the internet and curb undesirable social trends, especially amid China’s economic downturn.

A 2022 code of conduct prohibits livestream anchors from displaying or hyping luxury goods.

The crackdown aims to address concerns over the negative impact of materialism on young people in China. Lyla Lai, a former beauty influencer with over a million Douyin followers, highlighted the h+rmful effects of flaunting wealth online.

Lai now resides in Australia and supports the crackdown, stressing the need for economic development to provide real fulfilment for people.

The issue of luxurious lifestyles is not new in China. In 2007, former Premier Wen Jiabao warned Communist Party cadres against lavish spending.

The government also cracked down on extravagant office buildings and luxury accessories among officials.

In 2012, social media erupted over a report about a provincial official’s luxury accessories.