Kuaishou’s E-commerce Branch Slapped with $3.8M Fine for Illegal Acts: Is Consumer Protection at Stake?

Core Viewpoint - Kuaigou, a subsidiary of Kuaishou Technology, has been fined 26.7 million yuan (approximately US$3.84 million) by Chinese regulators for various illegal activities, including unreasonable charges and inadequate consumer protection [1][6]. Group 1: Allegations Against Kuaigou - Kuaigou was accused of levying unreasonable charges and failing to provide proper consumer protection [2][6]. - The company did not take appropriate measures against the sale of counterfeit goods on its platform [2][6]. - Kuaigou allowed misleading or false marketing practices to occur on its platform [2][6]. - Additional accusations included publishing illegal advertisements and failing to disclose mandatory information [4][7]. - The company was implicated in facilitating services for the illegal sale or purchase of wild animals and their products, as well as prohibited hunting tools [4][7]. Group 2: Regulatory Investigation - The fine resulted from an investigation by the State Administration for Market Regulation, initiated in September due to alleged illegal activities, including false marketing and counterfeit goods distribution [3][6]. - The investigation highlighted issues particularly prevalent in the live-streaming e-commerce industry [3]. Group 3: Kuaigou's Response - Kuaigou accepted the penalties and expressed compliance with the regulator's decision [5][8]. - The company pledged to improve its operations in accordance with the law and enhance its compliance level [5][8]. - Kuaigou committed to collaborating with businesses on its platform to provide better services to consumers [5][8].