Authorities are wary about once-freewheeling 'platform economy' companies crowding out smaller rivals and the risks they pose, though there are signs now that the clampdown is being gradually eased.

The results come as overall consumption in China slows, and cap a relatively muted version of a sales festival that Alibaba once aggressively promoted.

E-commerce platforms are keeping their heads down due to the government scrutiny, which targets alleged abuse of user data and monopolistic business practices.

Ma has kept a low profile ever since mainland officials spiked what would have been a world record US$37 billion initial public for Alibaba's financial group Ant last November.

The Chinese billionaire has been keeping a low profile since delivering a speech in October last year in Shanghai criticising China's financial regulators.

Alibaba meanwhile says it has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

Chinese authorities have enforced a sweeping regulatory crackdown on the nation's tech sector after years of runaway growth.

In recent months, Beijing has been clamping down on the country's internet giants for wielding too much power.

Ma has been noticeably absent after falling foul of China’s regulators last year.

Alibaba has accepted the penalty and pledged to outline plans for bringing its operations in compliance.

The government didn't specify whether Alibaba was requested to completely withdraw from the media or divest part of its shares.

Alibaba spokesman says if the news is not on its website, it's not true.