Xiaohongshu Tightens Rules on AI Content: Label or Lose Visibility
Xiaohongshu Takes Stand Against Unmarked AI Content
In a significant move for China's digital landscape, lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu has introduced stringent measures governing artificial intelligence-generated posts. The changes come as platforms nationwide grapple with balancing technological innovation against growing concerns about misinformation.
The New Rules Explained
Starting immediately, Xiaohongshu will:
- Automatically detect and label suspected AI content using advanced algorithms
- Restrict distribution of unlabeled AI material, potentially burying violators' posts
- Target black market services offering tools to bypass detection systems
The platform isn't pulling punches - creators who repeatedly ignore labeling requirements may find their accounts facing serious limitations.
Cleaning Up the Digital Neighborhood
These policy shifts coincide with China's "Clear and Bright 2026" initiative targeting problematic online content during the Spring Festival period. Authorities specifically highlighted three troubling trends:
- Fabricated emergencies: AI-generated videos of fake disasters causing public panic
- Cultural vandalism: Digitally altered classic artworks and animations crossing ethical lines
- Social division: Algorithmically amplified content stoking regional or family conflicts
"We're seeing creative tools being weaponized," noted a Beijing-based digital policy analyst who asked not to be named. "Platforms are realizing they need to build guardrails before these problems escalate."
What This Means for Creators
The message from Xiaohongshu is clear: transparency isn't optional anymore. While some creators worry about reduced creative freedom, many users welcome the changes.
"I've seen too many 'perfect' travel photos that turned out to be completely AI-generated," shared frequent Xiaohongshu user Lin Wei. "At least now we'll know what's real."
The platform hasn't disclosed exact penalty thresholds but emphasizes that human-reviewed content won't face automatic restrictions unless clearly violating guidelines.
Key Points:
- Mandatory labeling: All AI-assisted content must be clearly marked
- Visibility penalties: Unlabeled posts will get less promotion in feeds
- Blacklist targets: Services selling detection-evasion tools face bans
- Cultural protection: Mockery of classics through AI faces particular scrutiny
