Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of the internet economy has led to the rise of the live streaming industry, which has also brought legal disputes regarding tipping behavior into public view [1] Group 1: Industry Overview - As of December 2024, the number of live streaming users in China is projected to reach 833 million, accounting for 75.2% of the total internet users [1] - Live streaming is recognized as a typical form of the digital economy, presenting new legal challenges that require exploration [1] Group 2: Legal Nature of Tipping - Scholars argue that live streaming tipping is not a gift with obligations but rather a reciprocal value exchange, establishing a service contract relationship between users and streamers [2] - Tipping is considered a consumption behavior rather than a gift, a view supported by existing legal precedents [3] Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Considerations - The distinction between user recharge and tipping is emphasized, with recharge seen as a prepayment and tipping as a new consumption model [3] - Experts suggest that addressing criminal activities related to live streaming tipping requires a balance of legal norms, technological safeguards, and industry self-regulation [3]