China issues draft antitrust compliance guidelines for internet platforms

The State Administration for Market Regulation, China's top market regulator, unveiled on Saturday draft antitrust compliance guidelines for internet platforms, offering clearer direction for both domestic and global tech firms operating in the world's largest digital market.

The draft, which will open for public feedback by the end of November, is the latest sign that Beijing is moving toward more standardized and transparent regulatory oversight.

According to the SAMR, the guideline clarifies how platform operators should identify, assess and manage antitrust risks, citing examples such as algorithmic collusion, unfair pricing, search ranking manipulation and discriminatory treatment of merchants.

The regulator listed eight risk scenarios drawn from enforcement practice, including data transmission, algorithm usage, service pricing and traffic allocation. These are areas closely monitored by global investors and foreign companies navigating China's increasingly algorithm-driven consumer market.

The SAMR said the draft aims to "promote innovation and healthy development" of the platform economy rather than imposing binding obligations. It also encouraged companies to carry out internal reviews, strengthen algorithm oversight, improve risk reporting mechanisms and cooperate with investigations when required.

The move came as China seeks to revitalize private-sector confidence and attract more foreign investment. Beijing said that strong compliance records can help companies expand overseas by aligning more closely with international antitrust norms.

The guideline highlights a "balanced" regulatory philosophy, saying effective competition — rather than market dominance — should drive innovation.

It also warns against practices such as "pick one from two", below-cost sales and blocking or delisting rivals without legitimate justification.