Core Viewpoint - The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has released a draft of the "Internet Platform Pricing Behavior Rules" to promote healthy development in the platform economy and ensure compliance with pricing regulations [1][2]. Group 1: Background of the Rules - The rapid development of the platform economy in China has positively impacted the real economy and consumer needs, necessitating clearer regulations on pricing behavior [2]. - Existing laws such as the Price Law and the E-commerce Law provide general guidelines, but specific regulations for the platform economy are needed to enhance transparency and compliance [2]. Group 2: Overall Approach to Rule Formulation - The rules aim to balance development and regulatory compliance, focusing on price behavior regulation, transparency, and collaboration among stakeholders [3]. - Key objectives include standardizing pricing behavior, promoting transparency in pricing, and enhancing cooperation among government, industry associations, and platform operators [3]. Group 3: Applicability of the Rules - The rules apply to both platform operators and platform merchants, ensuring that all entities involved in the platform economy adhere to the pricing regulations [4]. Group 4: Guiding Autonomous Pricing - The rules affirm the right of platform operators and merchants to set prices autonomously while regulating the fees charged by platform operators [5][6]. - Operators must publicly disclose any changes to fee structures and seek input from merchants [5]. Group 5: Price Marking Requirements - The rules mandate clear price marking for goods and services, including detailed information on pricing methods and promotional activities [7][8]. - Operators must transparently communicate any subsidies and promotional rules to avoid misleading consumers [7]. Group 6: Regulation of Pricing Competition - The rules define standards for identifying unfair pricing practices such as predatory pricing and price collusion, aiming to maintain fair competition [9][10]. - Operators are prohibited from using deceptive pricing strategies and must ensure that pricing practices are transparent and fair [10]. Group 7: Collaborative Governance Mechanism - The rules emphasize the importance of inter-departmental collaboration in regulating pricing behavior within the platform economy [11][12]. - Platform operators are required to establish internal compliance systems and facilitate self-regulation within the industry [12]. Group 8: Implementation Timeline - The draft rules are open for public consultation for one month, after which feedback will be reviewed and incorporated before final issuance [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the introduction of the "Internet Platform Pricing Behavior Rules (Draft for Comments)" aimed at promoting healthy development in the platform economy while ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting consumer rights [1][2]. Group 1: Background of the Rules - The rapid development of the platform economy in China has positively impacted the real economy and consumer needs, necessitating clearer regulations on pricing behavior to protect consumer interests [2]. - Existing laws provide general guidelines, but specific regulations for the platform economy are needed to create a transparent and predictable pricing regulatory mechanism [2]. Group 2: Overall Approach to Rule Formulation - The rules emphasize a balance between promoting development and regulatory compliance, focusing on price behavior standardization, transparency, and collaboration among stakeholders [3]. - Key aspects include regulating pricing behavior, enhancing transparency in pricing rules, and fostering collaboration among government, industry associations, and platform operators [3]. Group 3: Applicability of the Rules - The rules apply to both platform operators and platform internal operators, including those providing services or selling goods through platforms [4]. - Self-built website operators and other participants in the platform economy are also encouraged to follow these rules [4]. Group 4: Guiding Independent Pricing - The rules affirm the right of platform operators and internal operators to set prices independently while regulating the fees charged by platform operators to internal operators [5]. - Operators are encouraged to innovate and improve service quality while adhering to fair pricing practices [5][6]. Group 5: Price Marking Requirements - The rules mandate clear price marking for goods and services, including detailed information on pricing and any additional fees [7]. - Promotional rules must be transparent, and any subsidies or discounts should be clearly communicated to consumers [7][8]. Group 6: Regulation of Pricing Competition - The rules define standards for identifying unfair pricing practices such as predatory pricing, price discrimination, and price collusion [9]. - Platform operators are prohibited from forcing internal operators to sell below cost and must not engage in deceptive pricing practices [9][10][11]. Group 7: Collaborative Governance Mechanism - The rules advocate for a collaborative governance approach involving regulatory departments, platform compliance management, and industry self-regulation [12]. - Regulatory bodies will conduct oversight and provide guidance to ensure compliance with pricing behavior standards [12]. Group 8: Implementation Timeline - The rules are currently open for public comment for one month, after which feedback will be reviewed and incorporated before final issuance [13]. - An adjustment period will be provided for operators to align their internal management systems with the new regulations [13].