Mobile app rules will come into effect in China from August 1
China’s new rules governing mobile apps will go into effect on August 1, the country’s internet regulator announced on Tuesday.
Suppliers must not use the applications to conduct activities that endanger national security, the China Cyberspace Administration (CAC) said.
The new rules also state that mobile apps with features that could influence public opinion will need to seek a security review.
In January, China’s cyber regulatory body released draft rules governing mobile apps.
User Identity Authentication
The rules require users to authenticate their identity through mobile phone numbers, ID card numbers or unified social credit codes.
App providers will also be prevented from providing services to users who provide false information or use the identity of other organizations or individuals for registration.
The proposed regulations are part of a campaign last year to increase oversight of the country’s tech companies.
While Chinese laws generally prohibit the distribution of content considered to be, among other things, infringing the law, national security or national or personal rights.
“The CAC has become increasingly important as China’s regulatory body governing cyberspace, especially content delivered in cyberspace,” said Shi Jingyuan, a partner at law firm Simmons & Simmons.
- Reuters, with additional editing by George Russell
