"The fact that a social media influencer who is not politically motivated may inadvertently become a censorship target clearly sends a signal with chilling effects," Han said.

"In this regard, it may have adverse effects on the government's plan to boost the economy," he said.

The intensifying crackdown against top live-streamers come as the e-commerce industry shows signs of slower growth amid regulatory tightening and economic slowdown.

During this year's June 18 online shopping festival — China's second largest e-commerce event after Singles' Day in November, total sales generated on major e-commerce platforms only increased 0.7% from the same period last year, sharply slowing from the 27% growth in 2021, according to data from Chinese e-commerce analytics firm Syntun.

"The fact that a social media influencer who is not politically motivated may inadvertently become a censorship target clearly sends a signal with chilling effects," Han said.

"In this regard, it may have adverse effects on the government's plan to boost the economy," he said.

The intensifying crackdown against top live-streamers come as the e-commerce industry shows signs of slower growth amid regulatory tightening and economic slowdown.

During this year's June 18 online shopping festival — China's second largest e-commerce event after Singles' Day in November, total sales generated on major e-commerce platforms only increased 0.7% from the same period last year, sharply slowing from the 27% growth in 2021, according to data from Chinese e-commerce analytics firm Syntun.