Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the growing issue of organized "internet water armies" that manipulate online perceptions through tactics such as mass liking, malicious reporting, and fake reviews, significantly harming industry integrity and consumer trust [1][10][56]. Group 1: Impact on Individual Streamers - A case study of a streamer, Ms. Liang from Yantai, illustrates the severe consequences of malicious reporting, which led to the permanent suspension of her live-streaming account, erasing her six months of hard work [1][3][8]. - Ms. Liang experienced a significant increase in sales, reaching tens of thousands of yuan per day, before her account was unexpectedly banned, resulting in a total loss of income [3][5]. - Despite submitting various certifications and reports to appeal the ban, her attempts were unsuccessful, revealing the challenges faced by legitimate streamers against malicious competitors [5][7]. Group 2: Law Enforcement Response - The Yantai police uncovered a network of 10 criminal groups involved in providing water army services, leading to the arrest of 42 individuals and the shutdown of over 200 fake traffic selling websites [10][21][56]. - Investigations revealed that competitors were hiring water armies to file false reports against rival streamers, causing significant disruptions in the live-streaming market [10][19]. - The police's efforts included a specialized task force that traced the operations of these water army groups, which utilized advanced technology to simulate real user behavior and evade detection [17][39]. Group 3: Nature of Water Army Operations - The water army industry has evolved into a sophisticated black market, offering a range of services from fake interactions to malicious reporting, with clear pricing structures for different types of services [22][24][28]. - Services are categorized and priced based on effectiveness, with options for both automated and human-operated interactions, indicating a well-organized operational model [32][34]. - The existence of a "mom group" (宝妈团) highlights the use of flexible part-time workers to execute these tasks, further complicating the enforcement of regulations against such practices [45][46]. Group 4: Broader Industry Implications - The rise of water armies has distorted market competition, undermined platform integrity, and eroded consumer trust, prompting increased scrutiny and legal action from authorities [48][56]. - Recent judicial actions, including the first comprehensive case against a water army in Jiangsu, demonstrate the legal system's response to these growing threats [54][56]. - The scale of the problem is underscored by the police's nationwide crackdown, resulting in thousands of arrests and the closure of numerous illegal platforms, indicating a significant effort to restore order in the digital marketplace [56].