Core Viewpoint - The "Internet Platform Pricing Behavior Rules" were jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the National Internet Information Office to regulate pricing competition, protect the pricing rights of operators, and safeguard consumer rights. The rules will take effect on April 10, 2026 [1]. Group 1: Regulations for Platform Operators - The rules require platform operators to standardize their charging behaviors and protect their pricing rights. They must disclose rules regarding differential pricing, dynamic pricing, and bidding rankings, and specify regulations for clear pricing by platform operators and those within the platform [3]. - Operators are prohibited from engaging in unfair pricing practices such as predatory pricing, price discrimination, price collusion, price gouging, and price fraud [3]. Group 2: Consumer Protection - The rules focus on protecting consumers' right to know and their right to choose. Operators must prominently display options related to services like password-free payments, automatic renewals, and automatic deductions, and provide easy cancellation methods [5]. Group 3: Regulatory Oversight - The rules clarify the regulatory responsibilities and measures for the development reform, market regulation, and internet information departments. Platform operators are required to establish compliance management systems for pricing behavior, and industry associations are encouraged to enhance self-regulation [7]. - Prior to the formal implementation of the rules, the relevant authorities will organize self-inspections for major platform operators to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements [9].

Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of digital technology has made the platform economy a significant part of the national economy, contributing to economic growth through various sectors such as e-commerce, digital finance, online education, and remote healthcare [1] Group 1: Regulation of Platform Pricing Behavior - The "Internet Platform Pricing Behavior Rules (Draft for Comments)" aims to regulate pricing behavior through mandatory, prohibitive, and advocacy norms, incorporating flexible regulatory measures [2] - Mandatory norms emphasize fairness, integrity, and transparency in pricing, particularly in price labeling, which is crucial for consumer rights [2] - Prohibitive norms outline unacceptable pricing practices, including selling below cost to eliminate competition, colluding on prices, false promotional pricing, and differential pricing without user notification [2] Group 2: Special Pricing Norms for Platform Economy - Pricing behavior regulations must consider the unique characteristics of goods and services in the platform economy, such as subscription services for digital content [3] - Clear pricing requirements include displaying product names, prices, and related costs on digital platforms, prohibiting hidden charges [3] - Dynamic and differential pricing must be publicly disclosed, including the rules and factors affecting prices [3] Group 3: Responsibilities of Platforms in Pricing Relations - Platforms have a unique role in protecting consumer rights, especially regarding automatic renewals and payment methods, ensuring consumers are informed and can easily opt-out [4] - Platforms must provide accessible channels for consumers to report pricing and transaction disputes and ensure compliance from sellers [4] - Platforms are also responsible for cooperating with regulatory authorities in investigating pricing disputes [4] Group 4: Internal Supervision Responsibilities of Platforms - Platforms must establish internal pricing management rules and compliance systems, ensuring standards for pricing, promotions, and dynamic pricing are met [5] - Platforms are required to maintain accurate records of pricing information and transactions to ensure transparency and traceability [5] - A dedicated pricing supervision mechanism should be established to facilitate consumer complaints and ensure timely resolution of pricing issues [5]