A group of top Chinese regulators published a document asking mobile app developers not to collect excessive details about their users. The decision was reportedly in the works for a few months, with Chinese authorities taking steps to crack down on unscrupulous data collection by app developers. "The superfluous data is most often used for advertising purposes, such as serving localized or interest-based ads," Todd Kuhns, marketing manager at app distribution platform AppInChina, told TechCrunch.
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Giving and receiving
Apparently, Chinese apps often require users to provide sensitive personal information, much of which is unnecessary given the purpose of the app. Late last year, China's cybersecurity watchdog requested comment on what appears to be a proposed data protection law, which specifies more than three dozen types of apps and data they are allowed to collect. It is not clear if the new document relates to the proposed privacy law. Kuhns suggests that even with the document, apps could ask users for additional details. However, users can now safely refuse to share unnecessary details and continue to use the app, resulting in less relevant ads in return. Ironically, however, the document, which would be more of a set of guidelines in the absence of application details, comes around the same time that some of China's tech giants are testing a new system to circumvent upcoming protocols. Apple's rigorous privacy in its Store app. Via: TechCrunch