China to tighten oversight of online platforms and livestream e-commerce
SAMR targets fairer market practices.

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced plans to strengthen regulations on online platforms and the growing livestream e-commerce sector. The move aims to foster fair competition, protect smaller businesses, and improve consumer trust, according to SAMR Deputy Head Shu Wei.
At a press briefing, Shu highlighted plans to enhance transparency, reduce merchants’ operational costs, and address concerns over platform practices that disrupt fair competition. The regulator aims to improve existing frameworks to safeguard merchants’ and consumers’ rights against platform rule abuse.
The SAMR also intends to crack down on deceptive marketing in livestream e-commerce, a sector experiencing rapid growth but facing criticism for misleading tactics. The initiative is expected to address dishonest practices while ensuring a healthier and more balanced market environment.