UC Browser, 360 exposed promoting fake drugs
A fake ad exposed in the program
Officials make investigation at Jingge Network Science and Technology Co in Putuo District on Monday night.
Officials make investigation at Jingge Network Science and Technology Co in Putuo District on Monday night.
Tech giants Alibaba’s UC Browser and cybersecurity firm 360 were found promoting fake drug advertisements for unlicensed companies in China Central Television’s annual March 15 quality investigation program last night.
UC and 360 apologized, saying they were investigating the advertisement companies and would enhance the monitoring of ad contents.
An advertisement on UC Browser shared the story of a patient who reportedly was suffering from hyperglycemia for nine years but was recovering after applying a “magic” prescription. The patient claimed he even stopped taking insulin because of the “drug,” which turned out to be a common food product, CCTV said in its report.
Another “drug,” recommended on 360, claimed to cure all climacteric syndromes within two months. It turned out to be a food product as well, the report said. A sales manager of an advertisement company for 360 said it only accepts big clients under strict supervision and management, CCTV reported.
A sales manager of an advertisement agent of 360, Jingge Network Science and Technology Co, said the company received a client without license over a weight reduction ad, CCTV reported.
Yisheng Culture and Media Co, an ad agent of UC, said it also receives clients without license.
These agents provided one-stop services from fake licensing to web page design and account maintenance, CCTV reported.
The comments and“Like" number can be faked based on demand, CCTV reported.
Shanghai's market authorities have rushed to the scene after the program.
Officials have ordered involved companies to provide the list of major clients, contracts and advertisement contents, the Shanghai Administration for Market Regulation said.
Exposed companies were suspected of illegal practices for releasing these ads and evading supervision and management, said Liu Min, an official with the Jiading District Administration for Market Regulation.
Liu said investigation is conducted and officials will impose penalties based on China's advertisement law.
Officials make investigation at Jingge Network Science and Technology Co in Putuo District on Monday night.
