Chinese influencer Chai Xiangqian, known online as “Chai Dui Dui,” and others are under investigation by the Pingyang County Public Security Bureau in Wenzhou City for allegedly producing and selling counterfeit products. This development follows reports that Chai and his associates were taken into custody on September 8th, which local police have confirmed.
The case highlights the growing scrutiny of online influencers in China and their potential liability for misleading consumers. Regulatory bodies have intensified efforts to police online content and clamp down on deceptive marketing practices.
Prior to this investigation, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) had publicly criticized Chai Xiangqian’s online activities. The CAC accused Chai, operating under accounts like “Chai Dui Dui” on Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese counterpart) and Xiaohongshu, of intentionally spreading false information about a specific company’s product quality and damaging the reputation of the company and its executives. These actions were allegedly aimed at attracting followers and driving sales through affiliate marketing. The associated accounts have since been shut down.
Furthermore, the Pingyang County Market Supervision Bureau issued an administrative penalty to Pingyang Xiaoya Tea Co., Ltd., a company legally represented by Xiao, Chai Xiangqian’s wife, on July 22nd. The bureau found that the company engaged in false or misleading advertising regarding the performance, function, and quality of its products. The company was ordered to correct its illegal activities, issued a warning, and fined 220,000 RMB for the deceptive marketing practices.
This series of events underscores the Chinese government’s increasing focus on regulating the influencer economy. While social media influencers can be powerful drivers of e-commerce and brand awareness, concerns remain about the potential for misinformation, unfair competition, and consumer exploitation. The “Chai Dui Dui” case serves as a high-profile example of the potential consequences for influencers who cross the line regarding product quality and ethical marketing practices. It also signals to businesses operating in the Chinese market that due diligence and regulatory compliance are essential, even when working with popular online personalities.
Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/9026.html
