WeChat to allow link access for e-commerce platforms like Taobao in group chats...

WeChat to allow link access for e-commerce platforms like Taobao in group chats

WeChat to allow link access for e-commerce platforms like Taobao in group chats

November 30, 2021 2:35 am

WeChat announced today that it will update its management standards on external links. The announcement contains three key points: (translated by PingWest)

1. Direct access to external links will be available in one-on-one chat scenarios.
2. Under the guidance of the regulator, in order to implement the principle of “safety as bottom line”, while taking into account users’ experience, direct access of external links of e-commerce apps will be opened in group chat scenarios on a trial basis.
3. The follow-up plan is to develop independent selection mode to provide users with external link management functions.

As a part of the ongoing campaign of achieving internet interconnectivity, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) held an administrative guidance meeting on the problem of internet companies’ link-blocking activities on September 9. Companies, including Alibaba, Tencent, ByteDance, Baidu, and Huawei, attended the meeting.The ministry proposed standards for instant messaging services, ordering companies to unblock by September 17 or face penalties under the law.

On September 17, WeChat announced it will adjust its external link-sharing policy to adhere to guidelines, by first allowing external links in private chats.

WeChat’s recent update on its link access standards comes five days after MIIT temporarily suspended Tencent’s app updates. According to Reuters, Tencent must submit any new apps or updates for inspection to MIIT before they can be uploaded. Officials cited “infringement on users' rights and interests” as the reason.

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