Apple Photoshoot At Puerta del Sol (Photo : Getty Images)
The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered on Friday all app stores in the country to register with the regulator beginning on Monday, Jan. 16. The agency published a notice on its website which explains the mandatory registration to many apps being the source of spreading illegal information.
Illegal Practices by App Stores
Apps have also been blamed for breaching rights of users or being security risks. In requiring the app stores to register with the agency, the CAC said it wants to ensure who is responsible if the apps or stores are found engaging in illegal practices, the New York Times reported. The move came three weeks after the newspaper’s English- and Chinese-language news apps were ordered removed by Beijing from its app store in China.
The move is China’s strategy to gain tighter control over smartphone apps, not content with keeping tight reins over the country’s internet. The order would affect mostly third-party stories in the country controlled by giant smartphone and internet companies such as Alibaba, Qihoo 360, Baidu, Tencent and Xiaomi since the Google store for apps using the company’s Android operating system has been blocked in China.
Apps More Difficult to Monitor than Internet
The task of monitoring content and discussions on mobile apps is seen as more challenging that on websites since those that the regulator have blocked on the internet are now on Chinese apps despite an official ban. But The Verge pointed out that the new regulation also aims to protection consumers from apps.
The tech website noted that there are apps that defraud or steal from users deliberately. Some app stores collect payment and information from consumers and the close before the purchasers could use its services.
The new order requires app store owners to register with CAC if it sets up a storefront, make changes or close the outlet.
