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

Alibaba is the owner of the South China Morning Post.
On Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) also ordered the country’s biggest app stores to remove four apps, which help users optimise their smartphones’ performance by managing storage space and memory. They allegedly tricked users into downloading the software and violated regulations on personal data protection, according to a statement posted on MIIT’s website.
The ministry also said it arranged for regulators in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Guangdong to investigate the companies behind those apps, said the MIIT. Most of the apps are no longer available for download in popular Chinese app stores.

Alibaba’s UCWeb and 360 Search both apologised on Monday. UCWeb said it had immediately removed the illegal advertisements, while 360 Search said it has set up an investigation team to look into the issues. Both vowed to strengthen their review procedures.
