E-commerce draft weighs platforms' liability

China's top legislature was asked on Thursday to strengthen a liability clause in the latest draft of the e-commerce law to better protect consumers and prevent platform operators from becoming too powerful.

The draft, which is being deliberated by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, sparked a debate by lawmakers and legal experts over a change in the liability provisions after it was submitted to the top legislative body for the fourth reading on Monday.

The latest draft reduces the liability of e-commerce platforms in cases where they fail to properly review the qualifications of those selling goods or providing health or lifestyle services, or if they fail to protect consumers' safety.