Leapmotor Offers $700,000 Reward to Combat "Black PR," Joins Forces with Multiple Automakers to Curb Online Misconduct

In response to rampant online misconduct in the automotive industry—such as fake reviews and malicious defamation—Leapmotor Automobile issued an open letter on March 2, launching a reporting channel for "black PR" activities and offering rewards of up to RMB 5 million for each verified tip. Previously, automakers including BYD, Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), and NIO have also initiated similar bounty programs. In recent years, multiple lawsuits filed by automakers against social media accounts spreading false information have entered judicial proceedings. Additionally, six government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), jointly issued a directive targeting three specific issues: fabricated stories, fake reviews, and other forms of deceptive content. Industry experts emphasize that cleaning up the online environment requires coordinated efforts among regulators, platforms, enterprises, and consumers, and that consumer rights protection should be pursued rationally and within the bounds of the law.