- The technology giant has been told to halt the rollout of new apps in China.
- However, current versions of the apps are still available to be downloaded and used as normal.
- The suspension of new app rollouts and updates is expected to continue to the end of the year as they undergo technical testing by the regulator.
- The move came after Beijing started to implement its Information Protection Law from the beginning of November.
Tencent has been urged to put a halt to the development of new apps in China as reported by BBC.
Temporary suspension
The country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has also ordered a temporary suspension of updates to the products.
It comes as the technology industry regulator reviews compliance with privacy rules introduced this month.
However, current versions of the apps are still available to be downloaded and used as normal.
“We are continuously working to enhance user protection features within our apps, and also have regular cooperation with relevant government agencies to ensure regulatory compliance.”
The move came after Beijing started to implement its Information Protection Law from the beginning of November.
New rules
The new rules are aimed to more tightly regulate how technology firms handle their users’ data.
It is part of a wider policy by the Chinese government to increase its oversight over some of the country’s biggest technology companies.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that the MIIT had said all-new app rollouts and updates from 24 November until the end of this year will be reviewed before they are allowed to be made available to the public.
In recent months the industry has seen a deluge of action taken against it, including crackdowns on e-commerce firms, online financial services, social media platforms, gaming companies, cloud computing providers, ride-hailing apps and cryptocurrency miners and exchanges.
The company’s shares closed 3% lower in Hong Kong on Friday.
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Source: BBC
