SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Chinese internet platforms should protect consumer rights and avoid becoming monopolies, state media group China Daily wrote Thursday.
In an editorial, the paper noted how two apps, UC Browser and 360 Search, were featured in a televised demonstration by the state broadcaster CCTV that accused them of violating consumer rights.
Stage companies, the anonymous author of the piece, said, “they need to recognize that the secret to success is not a monopoly, but a lasting innovation and long-term value creation.”
“If the interests of consumers and platform businesses are not protected, platform initiatives themselves will suffer,” the piece said.
China has investigated its internet giants in recent months, citing concerns about monopolistic behavior and a potential violation of consumer rights.
Following the televised show, UC Browser apologized and said they had initiated an investigation and taken corrective action. Various app stores in China removed them from their lists.
UC Browser is backed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, which is at the center of an anti-monopoly probe from Chinese authorities.
Reciting with Josh Horwitz; edited by Richard Pullin