In recent years, personal assistance online platforms have emerged, breaking the traditional limitations of time and geography in charitable giving, making it easier for people to both seek and provide help. To ensure the healthy and regulated development of these platforms, it is essential to widen the pathways for charitable endeavors.
Recently, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and other departments jointly released the “Regulations on the Management of Personal Assistance Online Platforms” (hereafter referred to as “the Regulations”). This document clearly outlines operational standards for these platforms, including funding sources, legal responsibilities, and specific requirements for verifying the authenticity of assistance requests. It provides detailed guidelines from multiple perspectives—platforms, assistance seekers, and information publishers—to ensure that requests for help are clear and the intention to assist is genuine. This regulatory framework addresses the legal oversight gap in the management of personal assistance platforms, facilitating a positive environment for mutual aid and enhancing social cohesion.
The ethos of helping one another is a cherished virtue in Chinese culture, and the methods of providing assistance should evolve with the times. Statistics indicate that in 2023 alone, personal assistance online platforms in China raised over 10 billion yuan, aiding thousands of families in overcoming economic hardships. However, cases of fraudulent requests, exaggerated claims, fabricated information, and misappropriated donations have become increasingly common, undermining the interests of donors and tarnishing the credibility of the platforms and the broader charitable movement, ultimately depriving many who genuinely need help. Over the past five years, instances of fraudulent fundraising through online help requests have nearly doubled. Addressing these issues requires established rules and clear boundaries to allow personal assistance platforms to develop further within a framework of legal accountability.
The act of donating is built on trust, which, in turn, is contingent upon the authenticity of the information provided. A survey revealed that the most significant factor influencing public trust in personal assistance online platforms is the authenticity of the cases presented. Increasing the credibility of assistance information can reduce decision-making risks for donors, prevent their goodwill from being exploited by fraud, and provide them with peace of mind. Enhancing the authenticity of requests can significantly lower the incidence of fake pleas for help, creating a fairer and more transparent support environment, where genuine assistance opportunities are reserved for those truly in need. The Regulations mandate that platforms publicly disclose their personal assistance activities every six months to ensure transparency and build trust, ultimately directing charitable contributions to the most needed areas.
When goodwill is respected and valued, it fosters even more generosity; when kindness is nurtured and fulfilled, it encourages a wave of compassion. Government authorities should strengthen oversight, enforce the measures outlined in the Regulations, and impose strict penalties for fraudulent activities and negligence from platforms, thereby raising the cost of illegal actions. Personal assistance online platforms also have a vital role as bridges and resource allocators; they must proactively assume their responsibilities regarding the verification of assistance information and management of donated funds. Meanwhile, those seeking assistance and those providing information must ensure the authenticity of their requests from the outset. It is only through the collaborative efforts of government agencies, platforms, and the public that we can ensure that goodwill and compassion flow effectively in personal assistance networks.
Charity is fundamentally a conscience-driven endeavor, and that conscience must be safeguarded by laws and regulations and overseen with transparency. By rooting our actions in authenticity, adhering to principles of integrity, and ensuring legal protections, we can eliminate gray areas, regulate platform operations, and promote mutual trust and support, ultimately allowing personal assistance online platforms to benefit more people.
