MIIT exposes second and third batches of apps infringing users' rights and interests

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently instructed third-party testing agencies to examine certain mobile apps and issued the Second and Third Batches of Apps that Infringe Upon Users' Rights and Interests, requiring operators of said apps to make rectification.(1) At present, a number of apps have not completed rectification before the designated timelines. As a result, the MIIT may impose fines.

The infringing apps were found to have the following problems:

• They asked for permission frequently or excessively;
• They rejected the provision of services if no permission was given;
• They collected personal information without consent or beyond the agreed scope;
• They shared personal information with third parties without consent;
• They forced users to use target pushing functions; and
• It was difficult to de-register accounts.

For further information on this topic please contact Samuel Yang or Yang Chen at AnJie Law Firm by telephone (+86 10 8567 5988) or email (yanghongquan@anjielaw.com or chenyang@anjielaw.com). The AnJie Law Firm website can be accessed at www.anjielaw.com.

Endnotes

(1) Please see here and here.