China: State Administration for Market Regulation opened consultation on Guidelines on Anti-Monopoly Compliance of Internet Platforms (Draft for Public Comment)

On 15 November 2025, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) opened a public consultation on its Guidelines on Anti-Monopoly Compliance of Internet Platforms (Draft for Public Comment) until 29 November 2025. These guidelines are designed to assist platform operators in identifying antitrust compliance risks and to improve the clarity of the provisions by incorporating lessons from antitrust regulatory enforcement. The document outlines eight distinct risk scenarios for platform operators, presented with examples. These include algorithmic collusion between platforms, organising or assisting operators in forming monopoly agreements, implementing unfair pricing strategies, engaging in selling below cost, blocking accounts, enforcing 'choose one of two' practices, mandating the 'lowest price across the entire network,' and applying discriminatory treatment. Platform operators are advised to proactively conduct risk assessments and self-checks and to conduct algorithmic screenings.