Core Viewpoint - The draft "Internet Platform Pricing Behavior Rules" aims to strengthen the regulation of pricing behaviors on internet platforms, protecting the legitimate rights of operators and consumers while promoting the transition of platform economy from "scale expansion" to "quality improvement" [1][2]. Summary by Sections Governance Framework - The draft emphasizes "operator's autonomy in pricing" and encourages innovation in technology and business models to enhance product and service quality, benefiting consumers and allowing legal profit [2]. - It addresses issues of price manipulation by platform operators through technical means, proposing prohibitive regulations against such practices [2]. Pricing Transparency - The draft reiterates the requirement for "clear pricing," mandating platforms to display promotional prices and rules in a consumer-friendly manner to prevent misleading pricing practices [2]. - It focuses on consumer rights to information, establishing clear guidelines for subsidies and estimated prices [2][3]. Competition Regulation - The draft aims to regulate price competition behaviors to promote healthy competition, defining standards for practices like predatory pricing, price collusion, and price gouging [4]. - It specifically prohibits "big data price discrimination," ensuring that consumers are not charged different prices for the same product or service under similar conditions without their knowledge [4]. Consumer Protection - The draft enhances consumer rights by addressing issues like automatic payments, requiring platforms to clearly present options and provide easy cancellation methods [5]. - It encourages the establishment of online dispute resolution mechanisms and quality assurance systems to effectively resolve consumer disputes [5]. Implementation and Impact - The public consultation period for the draft is set for one month, with an assessment and adjustment period planned before final implementation [5]. - Experts believe that the rules will guide operators towards lawful and compliant practices, contributing to a more robust platform ecosystem and promoting healthy development of the platform economy [6].
(经济观察)中国规范互联网平台价格行为迈出关键一步
Zhong Guo Xin Wen Wang·2025-08-23 14:40