App users should have final say over their info

The Cyberspace Administration of China unveiled a document on Tuesday that details draft recognition criteria to identify apps that illegally collect and use personal information.

According to the document which has been released to solicit public opinions, the app owners are only allowed to collect the personal information related to their services after obtaining the consent of users. They are obliged to keep users informed of how their personal information is to be collected and used, and are legally bound to store, handle and delete the personal information in an appropriate way according to the law.

The problem is these practices, which most apps already adhere to, as required by the Network Security Law and Regulations on Personal Information Security, have not prevented leaks of personal information and violations of privacy.