又见“二选一”，如何维护平台经济的公平竞争

Core Viewpoint - The issue of "choose one from two" is not about the size of the online platforms but rather about their misuse of "private power" to unjustly restrict the operational freedom of merchants, ultimately harming competition among platforms [3]. Regulatory Actions - The State Administration for Market Regulation issued compliance reminders to major e-commerce platforms regarding the "Double Eleven" shopping festival, emphasizing the need to strictly regulate promotional behaviors and prohibit illegal practices such as "choose one from two" and "big data killing familiarity" [3]. - The revised Anti-Unfair Competition Law highlights the importance of fair competition, with specific provisions against platforms forcing merchants to adhere to pricing rules that disrupt market order [10]. Historical Context - The "choose one from two" practice gained notoriety following Alibaba's record fine of 18.228 billion yuan for abusing its market dominance by imposing such restrictions on merchants since 2015 [5]. - A recent court ruling found Alibaba liable for its monopolistic behavior, ordering it to compensate JD.com 1 billion yuan, reinforcing the principle of fair competition [6]. Market Dynamics - The competitive landscape among internet platforms is intensifying, with the need for fair competition becoming increasingly critical in the context of ongoing regulatory scrutiny [4]. - The "choose one from two" practice creates a "market blockade effect," limiting merchants' ability to engage with other platforms and reducing overall market competition [11]. Legal Framework - The concept of "choose one from two" is linked to various legal provisions, including the Anti-Monopoly Law and the E-Commerce Law, which prohibit unreasonable restrictions on merchants' pricing and operational freedom [8][10]. - The enforcement of these laws aims to correct the power imbalance between platforms and merchants, fostering market vitality and innovation [13]. Future Outlook - The regulatory focus should shift towards ensuring that market competition is not hindered by unfair barriers set by incumbent platforms, thereby promoting a healthier market environment for new entrants [12]. - The ongoing scrutiny of "choose one from two" practices is part of a broader goal to enhance market innovation and development in China's platform economy [13].