China’s cyberspace regulator said on Thursday that a nationwide campaign targeting problematic recommendation algorithms used by lifestyle service platforms has yielded initial results, as major companies including Meituan, Taobao, JD.com, Didi, Trip.com and Qunar pledged new compliance measures. According to the Cyberspace Administration of China, 14 major platforms have implemented 63 optimization measures and made 139 commitments related to algorithm governance under the country’s trial negative list framework for lifestyle service platforms.
Qunar said it had formed a dedicated task force to improve price transparency, curb algorithm-driven price discrimination against repeat users, strengthen user consent mechanisms for personalized recommendations and establish clearer feedback and record-keeping systems.
Meituan unveiled 13 new measures aimed at increasing transparency around its recommendation and dispatch systems, improving delivery rider protections and refining overtime and order allocation rules. The company also pledged enhanced safety measures and broader consultation with riders, academics and the public as Chinese regulators intensify scrutiny of platform algorithms and labor protections in the country’s tech sector. [China Star Market, in Chinese]