China orders more apps removed in crackdown on personal data violations

At least six apps highlighted in CCTV’s annual consumer rights exposé have been removed from app stores. The move comes as Beijing intensifies scrutiny on personal data collection by tech companies. — SCMP

A browser owned by Alibaba Group Holding and a search engine from security giant Qihoo 360 are among several apps that have disappeared from major Chinese app stores after being named and shamed by state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) in its recently aired annual consumer rights show, intensifying Beijing’s campaign against unauthorised collection and use of personal data and other malpractices by tech companies.

UC Browser, 360 Search and a host of other tech products were called out in Monday’s CCTV exposé, which has been broadcast every year since 1991 on March 15 to mark World Consumer Rights Day. The Alibaba and Qihoo 360 apps were accused of showing false medical advertisements. Both were no longer found on app stores run by Xiaomi and Tencent Holdings on Wednesday.