No live streaming accounts may be created for anyone under 16; tipping limits are set by age group

8. No live streaming accounts may be created for anyone under 16; tipping limits are set by age group

Cost: There are no direct costs. The process simply requires adding two extra steps during registration and payment: first verify the user’s age, then confirm that a guardian has given consent.

In plain terms: People younger than 16 cannot sign up for a live streaming account on this platform. Those aged 16 or older must have their identity verified and must also obtain permission from a parent or other guardian. Tipping is restricted based on age: children under 8 are not allowed to tip at all; those aged 8–16 may tip only with guardian consent; and anyone over 16 may tip only with guardian consent or proof of income. If a minor spends money without a guardian’s approval, the guardian can request a refund, and a court is required to grant it. A total of 2020 such cases have been reported to date.

Benefit: The law clearly states that “online live streaming service providers must not offer account registration services to minors under 16; when providing such services to minors aged 16 or older, they must verify their identity and obtain consent from a parent or other guardian.” It also mandates “a dynamic verification mechanism for the real identity information of live streamers,” meaning platforms must be able to recheck a streamer’s identity at any time. Additionally, platforms must “reasonably limit the maximum amount a minor may spend per transaction and per day,” establishing spending caps based on age. Tipping rules are similarly tiered: “Tipping services must not be offered to minors under 8; for those aged 8–16, consent from a guardian is required; for those over 16, consent or proof of income is required.” Finally, if a minor lacking full legal capacity spends money without guardian approval, a court must return those funds to the guardian. Minors lacking full legal capacity are defined as those who cannot make independent decisions under the law.

Evidence grade: A

Notes: In any dispute involving refunds, rulings must favor the minor. The wording of this policy has changed over time. In 2022, four government agencies and the National Radio and Television Administration both stated that minors were completely prohibited from tipping. However, a new notice issued in April 2026 introduced age-based limits at 8 and 16 years old, without explicitly revoking earlier rules or explaining how they relate. Therefore, the claim that “minors are entirely barred from tipping” is no longer accurate.

Sources: Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (2020). Law on the Protection of Minors (Articles 74, 76). <https://www.cac.gov.cn/2020-10/22/c_1604928959588622.htm>; State Council of China (2023). Regulations on the Protection of Minors on the Internet (State Council of China Order No. 766, Article 31, Article 44). <https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/2023/issue_10806/202311/content_6913813.html>; Secretariat of the Cyberspace Administration of China (2026). Notice on strengthening the standardized management of online live streaming rewards (Item 7). <https://www.cac.gov.cn/2026-04/13/c_1777815804150225.htm>; Supreme People's Court of China (2020). Guiding Opinions on Properly Trialing Certain Issues in Civil Cases Involving the New Coronavirus Epidemic in accordance with the Law (2) (Fafa [2020] No. 17, Article 9). <https://www.court.gov.cn/fabu/xiangqing/230181.html>