为平台经济注入“公平”基因

Core Viewpoint - The recently released "Guidelines for Compliance of Charging Behavior on Online Trading Platforms" by the State Administration for Market Regulation aims to establish clear behavioral norms for online platforms, emphasizing fairness, legality, and good faith in charging practices [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Framework - The guidelines require platforms to publicly disclose charging items and standards, prohibit double charging, and ensure services are provided in exchange for fees, addressing long-standing issues of transparency and fairness in the platform economy [1][2]. - The guidelines are based on key laws such as the Price Law, E-commerce Law, and Anti-Unfair Competition Law, providing clearer enforcement boundaries for regulators and pathways for merchants to protect their rights [3]. Group 2: Impact on Platform Economy - The platform economy has become a significant pillar of China's digital economy, directly creating over 40 million jobs and indirectly generating over 100 million jobs, with online retail sales reaching 15.4 trillion yuan in 2023 [1]. - The guidelines are expected to compel platforms to enhance transparency and service quality, thereby alleviating the burdens on small and medium-sized merchants who have faced complex service packages and rising operational costs [2]. Group 3: Long-term Implications - The introduction of the guidelines may drive platforms to optimize their business models, shifting focus from high commission and advertising fees to cost reduction and efficiency improvement, fostering a healthier commercial ecosystem [4]. - The guidelines reflect a modernization of governance, similar to the EU's 2019 legislation promoting fair treatment of online platform users, indicating a shift from extensive expansion to refined governance in the platform economy [4].