Regulator takes action against apps for illegally collecting, using personal data

China's top cyber regulator said on Wednesday that a total of 82 apps have recently been ordered to be taken down or rectified for illegally collecting and using personal information.

In a news release, the Cyberspace Administration of China said that upon investigation, four apps were found to not publicly disclosing their rules for collecting and using personal information and were thus ordered to be taken down in accordance with the law.

In addition, another 78 apps were found to not providing functions for deleting or correcting personal information as required by law.

These apps have been given a one-month deadline to rectify the issues, and those that fail to do so within the given period will be taken down in accordance with the law, according to the release.

All 82 apps with such problems have violated China's Personal Information Protection Law and other relevant legal regulations, it said.

The release cited an official from the regulator as saying that the agency will continue to strengthen supervision and management in the field of personal information protection in accordance with the law, and will resolutely safeguard the personal information rights and interests of the people.