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

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.

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.

全国人大常委会 (2020). 未成年人保护法（第七十四、七十六条）. https://www.cac.gov.cn/2020-10/22/c_1604928959588622.htm ; 国务院 (2023). 未成年人网络保护条例（国务院令第 766 号，第三十一、四十四条）. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/2023/issue_10806/202311/content_6913813.html ; 中央网信办秘书局 (2026). 关于加强网络直播打赏规范管理的通知（第 7 项）. https://www.cac.gov.cn/2026-04/13/c_1777815804150225.htm ; 最高人民法院 (2020). 关于依法妥善审理涉新冠肺炎疫情民事案件若干问题的指导意见（二）（法发〔2020〕17 号，第九条）. https://www.court.gov.cn/fabu/xiangqing/230181.html

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.