Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of "private domain" live streaming as a marketing tool that has been exploited for fraudulent activities targeting the elderly, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions by market regulators [2][6]. Summary by Sections Private Domain Live Streaming - Private domain live streaming refers to an interactive marketing model where businesses or individuals engage specific user groups through their own traffic pools, such as WeChat groups and mini-programs [2]. - This model, initially intended to enhance service engagement, has been misused by fraudsters to target vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly [2][4]. Regulatory Actions - As of October 15, the State Administration for Market Regulation reported that 4,516 cases of illegal activities related to private domain live streaming have been investigated, resulting in fines totaling 68.7691 million yuan [2]. - Specific actions against fraudulent practices targeting the elderly, such as misleading health seminars, have led to 30 cases being filed, with fines and proposed fines amounting to 9.56 million yuan [2]. Fraudulent Tactics - Various deceptive tactics have been employed in private domain live streaming, including offering free items to lure elderly participants into groups where they are then subjected to aggressive sales pitches for overpriced products [3]. - Other methods include low-cost lottery schemes, misleading interactions, and the use of bots to create a false sense of community and urgency [3][5]. Challenges in Regulation - The closed nature of private domain live streaming makes it difficult for regulators to monitor and enforce compliance effectively [4][5]. - The decentralized distribution of content across private applications complicates real-time monitoring, and the fleeting nature of evidence makes it hard to pursue legal action against offenders [5]. - Targeting elderly individuals who are often less digitally literate increases the likelihood of them falling victim to these scams, as they may not retain evidence of the fraudulent activities [5]. Future Outlook - The article suggests that the era of unchecked private domain live streaming targeting the elderly is coming to an end, with regulators taking a more proactive stance [6]. - The market regulators are expected to implement comprehensive oversight measures to ensure accountability among platform operators and prevent the misuse of private domain live streaming [6].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese market regulatory authority has intensified efforts to combat fraudulent practices in private domain live streaming, particularly targeting scams that exploit elderly individuals, resulting in significant legal actions and penalties against offenders [1][4]. Summary by Sections Regulatory Actions - The market regulatory authority has investigated 4,516 cases of illegal activities related to private domain live streaming, imposing fines totaling 68.7691 million yuan [1]. - Specific actions against scams targeting the elderly have led to 30 cases being filed, with fines and proposed fines amounting to 9.56 million yuan [1]. Nature of Private Domain Live Streaming - Private domain live streaming is characterized as an interactive marketing model that targets specific user groups through owned traffic pools, such as WeChat groups and mini-programs [1]. - This model, while intended to enhance service engagement, has been misused by criminals to exploit vulnerable elderly populations [1]. Scams and Tactics - Various deceptive tactics have emerged in private domain live streaming, including enticing elderly individuals with free items, leading them to watch promotional live streams where low-quality products are sold at inflated prices [2]. - Other tactics include low-price lottery schemes, misleading interactions, and the use of bots to create a false sense of community and urgency [2]. Challenges in Regulation - The closed nature of private domain live streaming makes it difficult for regulatory bodies to monitor and enforce compliance effectively [3]. - Evidence collection is challenging due to the transient nature of live streams and the lack of digital literacy among elderly victims, who often do not retain records of their interactions [3]. - The targeted approach of these scams, focusing on elderly individuals willing to exchange personal information for free items, increases the likelihood of successful exploitation [3]. Future Regulatory Landscape - The market regulatory authority's recent statements indicate a shift towards stricter oversight of private domain live streaming, with a focus on holding platform companies accountable [4]. - The expectation is that private domain live streaming will face rigorous regulation, eliminating the notion of a legal gray area for such practices [4].