Regulators cracking down on violators of consumer rights

Move follows exposure of various illegal market activities at this year's 3.15 gala

Chinese regulators have launched a swift crackdown on businesses accused of violating consumer rights after the annual 3.15 Consumer Rights Gala exposed a range of illegal market activities, including food safety violations and artificial intelligence-driven harassment calls.

The gala, organized by China Media Group for more than three decades, has served as a powerful deterrent against corporate misconduct in China.

In response to the reported violations, the State Administration for Market Regulation, China's top market watchdog, said it conducted overnight inspections Saturday across nine provinces and regions and vowed strict penalties for offenders.