Law revision can stop public's kindness from being deceived

From September 2014 to the end of 2021, more than 5 million people with critical illnesses in the country have issued help-seeking messages through internet service platforms, attracted over 2 billion donations and raised more than 80 billion yuan ($11.2 billion).

However, some problems have emerged. Some of the help-seekers may conceal their property and exaggerate their illness, which may mislead the public, while the rights and obligations of relevant platforms are unclear. Issues such as transparency in the use of donations and platform service fee standards often lead to social controversy.

Facing this situation, it is necessary to set clearer legal regulations for both the help-seekers and the platforms. The upcoming seventh session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, will deliberate on a draft amendment to the Charity Law, which is expected to regulate the management of these charity platforms.

On the one hand, the requester and the information releaser are required to be responsible for the authenticity of the information, and should not cheat for assistance by fabricating or concealing some facts.

On the other hand, it is clarified that the platform engaged in the philanthropy services shall be supervised and designated by the civil affairs departments of the government, which must verify the authenticity of the information released via it.

Some insiders have also suggested that a joint coordination and review mechanism should be established among civil affairs, public security, public health, finance, and network departments so as to better supervise the booming industry. The case information requested from the public can be reviewed by the hospital, and the economic status of the person requesting assistance can be reviewed by the public security and finance departments. The authenticity of online personal assistance information should be included in the social credit record, and fraudulent behavior should be punished according to the law.

The planned amendment to the Charity Law and the proposed improved management measures for the industry are not intended to restrict the development of related platforms, but to better safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of individual help-seekers on the basis of further clarifying the responsibilities of both parties, so that the platforms can nurture the good deeds of society in its standardized operation, and benefit more help-seekers.