China issues draft rules banning unfair competition in the internet sector

Chinese regulators on Tuesday issued a lengthy set of draft regulations for the internet sector, banning unfair competition and restricting the use of user data, the latest move in a crackdown on the country’s powerful tech companies.

According to a document published on China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) website, business operators should not use data, algorithms or other technical means to hijack traffic or influence users’ choices.

They may also not use technical means to illegally capture or use other business operators’ data.