BYD sues 37 influencers for defamation and offers up to US$ 690,000 for fake news reports (Instagram @byd_global)
The Chinese automaker BYD has announced that it is suing 37 digital influencers for alleged defamation on the internet.
The company stated that another 126 profiles are also being monitored for sharing content that could harm its image. The announcement was made on June 4 through the company’s official profile on the WeChat platform.
All relevant posts were recorded as evidence, and BYD’s public relations manager emphasized that while criticism is welcome, false accusations will not be tolerated.
As part of its efforts to combat what it considers misinformation, BYD has expanded a rewards program that can pay up to US$ 690,000 to those who provide useful and truthful information about possible coordinated attacks on the brand.
The automaker claims it has been frequently targeted by false allegations, which have damaged its reputation, impacted the automotive market, and created instability among competitors. Despite citing organized actions, the company has not yet presented public evidence of these claims.
The official statement also highlighted that some court decisions have already ruled in BYD’s favor, resulting in fines and public retractions. However, many investigations are still ongoing, and the influencers involved have not yet commented. The company reiterated its commitment to legal measures and called for public support through its Anti-Fraud Office.
The BYD case adds to other similar complaints made by Chinese companies, such as Xiaomi, which has also faced the spread of online rumors.
Source: InsideEVs | Photo: Instagram @byd_global | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
