After a number of Tencent Holdings (0700. HK) apps were found to have violated Chinese law, the Chinese financial media outlet Yicai reported on Wednesday that China has forced Tencent Holdings (0700. HK) to submit any new apps or upgrades for examination before they can be uploaded.
According to Yicai, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) ordered the Chinese social networking and gaming behemoth to do so after certain of its apps were deemed to have infringed on users’ rights and interests.
It further stated that MIIT had just issued a notification stating that all mobile apps and upgrades will be subjected to a seven-day review period from November 24 to December 31 before being released to app shops.
In reaction to Yicai and other local media reports, Tencent maintained its apps were still working and available for download.
“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. Our apps remain functional and available for download,” the company said.
Chinese regulators have in over the past year mounted a wide-ranging crackdown on its tech giants, seeking to dismantle some of the industry’s long-held practices after accusing them of monopolistic behavior and infringing user rights.
Regulators have increased their scrutiny of mobile apps as a result of this. On Nov. 3, MIIT issued a directive to 38 firms, including Tencent, to stop collecting excessive amounts of personal data.
