Tencent publishes 2023 Weixin Brand Protection Platform (BPP) Report

Tencent released its 2023 Weixin Brand Protection Report, summarizing continued advancements in protecting intellectual property (IP) rights and safeguarding the service against illicit activity in violation of Weixin's policies, including the advertising or offer for sale of counterfeit goods. 

Weixin is a unique, multifaceted communication service that bridges private and public features like direct messaging, group chats, Official Accounts, and third-party Mini-Programs. Many of the world's leading brands not only collaborate with Weixin through its Brand Protection Platform (BPP) but also choose Weixin as a vital channel for engaging directly with consumers, demonstrating the dual value Weixin offers for protection and connection. The Report demonstrates Weixin's use of innovative solutions, increased proactive measures, and enhanced enforcement to help minimize and deter prohibited activity across private and public features. These actions have helped reduce the misuse of Weixin by bad actors.

By increasing the amount of public content reviewed proactively, escalating penalties for accounts found to have engaged in counterfeiting, and providing transparent information to brands, Weixin has significantly strengthened its IP enforcement efforts.

These changes follow constructive conversations with brands and industry stakeholders, and exhibit an ongoing commitment from Weixin to work with brands and other stakeholders to counter IP infringement.

"2023 was a pivotal year in our ongoing efforts to protect brands and Weixin users," said Danny Marti, Head of Global Public Policy, Tencent. "We are continuing to strengthen the BPP program every year by expanding proactive measures, generating higher-quality crowd-sourced reporting from users within private and public features, enhancing transparency — including launching Channels ID numbers to facilitate investigations and reporting — and increasing online as well as offline enforcement alongside higher penalties. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with partners and other stakeholders on these important issues as part of our longstanding commitment to IP protection."