Online Crackdown on Car-Related Defamation Originated in China
In a bid to maintain transparency and promote fair competition in the Chinese auto industry, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched a three-month crackdown on online disinformation. This move comes in the wake of a series of incidents, including a collision between two Chinese automakers, Li Auto and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor.
The incident, which occurred in July, was shared on social media platforms, showing one of Li Auto's SUVs colliding with a truck from Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor. The video depicted Dongfeng's truck being destroyed while Li Auto's SUV had very little damage, which Dongfeng took issue with. Following the incident, Li Auto issued an apology following Dongfeng's complaint.
However, the issue of disinformation in the Chinese auto industry is not limited to this incident. In 2023, a Douyin influencer, whose identity remains unspecified, posted videos ridiculing the drivers of a specific EV startup in China. With over 5.4 million followers, these videos spread damaging anti-EV claims, causing significant controversy.
The Chinese government, recognizing the potential harm of such disinformation, has announced a new enforcement campaign. This campaign aims to combat malicious disinformation about the auto industry online, targeting illegal business practices, exaggerated or false advertising, and slander.
In an effort to curb such activities, rival car companies like MG and BYD are offering rewards for tips on malicious social media accounts. MG is offering rewards of up to 5 million yuan, while BYD offers rewards between 50,000 yuan and 5 million yuan for similar information.
Disinformation about Chinese car manufacturers is common on local social media platforms like Douyin (Chinese TikTok). The account responsible for the 2023 EV startup videos was suspended by June 2024, but the damage was arguably already done.
Officials claim that influencers with millions of followers are a significant source of such disinformation. As the Chinese auto industry continues to grow and evolve, the importance of maintaining a fair and transparent online environment cannot be overstated.
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