China Regulator Seeks Feedback On Rules For Online Trading Mini-Programs

China's State Administration for Market Regulation has released a draft compliance guide for online trading mini-program platforms for public comment, according to ETNet. The 19-article draft says platform operators should follow voluntary, equal, fair and honest principles, comply with laws and business ethics, and take responsibility for market supervision. It also requires mini-program operators to meet the obligations of e-commerce businesses, protect consumer rights and maintain fair competition. The draft further says platform operators should publish service agreements and trading rules, spell out entry and exit standards, information review, product and service management, marketing information controls, consumer protection and personal information protection. Any changes to platform agreements and rules must be opened for public comment, and historical versions from the previous three years must be kept in full. The regulator said mini-program trading disorder has become frequent because platforms have not fully taken on management responsibility. It added that existing rules have not clearly defined the responsibilities of platforms such as WeChat and Alipay, and said compliance requirements are needed to guide platform operators and support the healthy development of the platform economy.