China mulls amendment to Anti-Unfair Competition Law

The supervision on online behaviors, such as misleading users to uninstall apps or inserting web links without the consent of other internet platforms will be further tightened, according to a draft law revision.

These acts deemed as unfair competition in cyberspace are prohibited by the draft amendment to the Anti-Unfair Competition Law, which is being reviewed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, after it was submitted to its ongoing session on Saturday.

The 41-article draft amendment clarifies that operators shall not use data, algorithms, or technology to disrupt or impede the legitimate provision of network products or services by other operators.

It is also not allowed to obtain and use data from other operators through fraudulent, coercive, or electronic intrusion methods, the draft amendment said.

"These revisions aim to strengthen the supervision on unfair competition in cyberspace," Luo Wen, head of the State Administration for Market Regulation, said while explaining the draft revision to lawmakers.

He added that amending the law is to solve new problems encountered in the rapid development of economy, as well as help provide a broader space for the growth of market entities, especially small and medium-size ones, and better protect rights and interests of consumers.

While tightening the supervision on online unfair competition, the crackdown on commercial bribery will also be intensified in line with the draft revision.