The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China ('MIIT') announced, on 28 December 2021, that the Shanxi Communications Administration ordered the removal of apps infringing on users' rights and interests.

Background to the case

In particular, the MIIT noted that since the beginning of this year, to effectively protect the personal rights and interests of users, and in response to outstanding issues such as illegal collection of personal information, and frequent harassment; the Shanxi Communications Administration began in-depth special rectification of apps through the monitoring and testing, ordering rectification, social announcements, and closing off of shelves. Specifically, the MIIT noted that the Shanxi Communications Administration conducted technical inspections on 12,891 apps.

Findings of the MIIT

Following its investigation, the MIIT found violations of users' rights by the relevant apps.

Outcomes

In the aftermath of the investigation, the MIIT noted that the Shanxi Communications Administration issued 478 rectification notices to 194 app operating companies that infringed on users' rights and reported to the MIIT 65 apps with problems to be publicised, as well as removing these apps from the shelves.

You can read the press release, only available in Chinese, here.