China proposes antitrust regulation for tech giants
Antitrust public authorities have released a 22-page document that defines antitrust behaviour within the Chinese tech sector. The document has provisions that would prevent online companies from sharing consumer data and from participating in joint efforts to remove smaller competitors. In case the document becomes law, online companies will no longer be able to force third-parties into exclusive arrangements nor treat customers differently based on their data and spending habits. Online companies such as Alibaba and JD.com would suffer the most due to such measures. Currently, they account for 75% of Chinese online retail market.