Chinese social media apps held to same standards as e-commerce platforms under new draft regulation

Social media platforms with e-commerce functions should be held to the same regulations as e-commerce platforms, according to a new draft regulation. Livestreaming e-commerce is the fastest-growing area of China’s Internet amid the pandemic, but its popularity is also attracting more regulatory scrutiny. — SCMP

Social media apps such as Douyin, WeChat and Kuaishou may be subject to the same regulatory oversight as e-commerce platforms like Taobao, Pinduoduo and JD.com in China if a new draft regulation is passed, as live-streaming e-commerce on these apps grows increasingly popular in the country.

(Taobao is operated by Alibaba Group Holding, the parent company of the Post.)