Beijing summons China’s top e-commerce platforms over misleading 618 promotions

Beijing regulators have summoned five major Chinese e-commerce platforms — Taobao/Tmall, JD.com, Pinduoduo, Douyin and Xiaohongshu — over alleged misleading promotions during the annual 618 shopping festival. The Beijing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation said Taobao’s 618 Billion-Yuan Subsidy campaign lacked clear disclosure of actual subsidy amounts, while Pinduoduo was criticized for attempting to waive certain legal liabilities. JD.com allegedly failed to disclose promotion periods and subsidy details, Douyin did not adequately publicize promotional rules, and Xiaohongshu failed to disclose prize-winning odds in marketing campaigns. The move is part of Beijing’s broader effort to curb excessive competition and strengthen consumer protection in China’s e-commerce sector. [ Beijing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation , in Chinese]