Draft rules aim to curb monopolistic behavior of internet platforms

China Daily China's draft rules aimed at preventing monopolistic behavior of internet platforms will help regulate online economic activities, stop anticompetitive practices, promote fair competition in the market and safeguard consumer interests, experts said. Dong Yizhi, a lawyer at Shanghai Joint Win Law Firm, said the draft rules reiterate that internet platform companies, including e-commerce marketplaces, must not abuse their dominant position to force merchants to "choose one platform over others" and block fair competition. The draft rules emphasize ensuring fair competition and bolstering innovation, and safeguarding the interests of all parties, Tencent Holdings Ltd said during a conference call after releasing its third quarter financial results. Geng said it is of great significance that the country has issued the guidelines to prevent monopolistic behavior among major internet platforms, which are fending off new rivals that are eating into their market share.