The Chongqing Provincial Communications Administration published, on 20 July 2022, a notice addressed to apps violating the rights and interests of users in Sichuan and Chongqing in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Law ('PIPL'), the Cybersecurity Law, and the Regulations on the Protection of Personal Information of Telecommunications and Internet Users.

Background to the investigation

In particular, the Administration highlighted that they had organised a third-party testing agency to inspect the mobile internet applications of mainstream application stores in Sichuan and Chongqing.

Findings of the Administration

Following its investigation, the Administration detailed that violations were detected in apps. On this point, the Administration explained that apps were illegally collecting and using personal information, not disclosing the purposes of use, as well as putting in place mandatory, frequent, and excessively demanding permission requests.

Outcomes

In the aftermath of the investigation, the Administration confirmed that, to date, 17 apps have still not been rectified, noting that rectification must be undertaken before 29 July 2022. To this end, the Administration emphasised that, where rectification is not made by the aforementioned date, it will organise relevant disposal work in accordance with laws and regulations.

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