China has been clamping down on more than 7,800 mobile apps, including ticketing apps, that it feels are illegally collecting and using personal data.
According to Reuters, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has deleted 7,873 mobile apps it deems malicious. Some of those applications reportedly overcharged users, while others stole their information.
In addition to ticketing, the main targets of the campaign are in areas such as e-commerce, navigation and delivery.
The joint initiative has been launched by the CAC, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security and the State Administration for Market Regulation.
“The crackdown this time covers a wider range of apps and features more profound assessments and systemised approaches,” said Yang Chunyan, an official with the CAC.
Operators are being required on to ask for personal information that is not relevant to their services, as well as putting a stop to forceful authorising collation of personal information.
Authorities will be punishing those that continue to collect and use personal data, including demanding rectifications, taking down apps and revoking moderator certificates, as well as action against criminal acts.
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