Which countries prohibit live streaming of goods?

At present, the number of countries and organizations in the world that have announced bans or restrictions on live streaming has increased to 6: Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, the United States, and the European Union.

As a popular e-commerce model, live streaming has attracted great attention around the world. Merchants and anchors use the live broadcast platform to display and recommend various products to consumers, thereby achieving growth in sales and revenue. However, this seemingly convenient and efficient marketing method has also caused many problems and controversies. Live streaming faces many challenges and risks in terms of product quality, consumer rights, industry regulations and social impact.

In order to protect market order and public interests, some countries and regions have introduced policies and measures that restrict or prohibit live streaming of goods. Currently, 6 countries around the world and the European Union (composed of 27 countries) have implemented varying degrees of control over live streaming. First, let’s look at Indonesia. As the largest e-commerce market in Southeast Asia, live streaming also occupies an important position in Indonesia. However, in Indonesia, doctors are prohibited from participating in live streaming.

Release regulations

According to regulations issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Health in November 2020, doctors are not allowed to use their professional status or qualifications to conduct live broadcasts or promote products on any media platform Goods and Services. Doctors who violate the regulations face severe penalties, including license revocation, fines, or imprisonment. The purpose of this regulation is to maintain the professionalism and credibility of the medical industry and prevent doctors from using their influence to mislead consumers into purchasing unnecessary or inappropriate goods or services.

As another country with a huge e-commerce market and potential, India is also one of the important markets for live streaming. However, in India, it is not easy for foreign e-commerce platforms to carry out live streaming. According to the Foreign Investment Policy issued by the Indian regulatory authorities in December 2018, foreign e-commerce platforms can only operate in India as market operators and cannot operate in an inventory-based model.