China proposes stricter regulation of app providers and distribution platforms

The Cybersecurity Administration of China (CAC) published a draft of amendments to the Administrative Regulations on the Management of Mobile Internet Application Information Services from 2016. The draft focuses on the enhancement of data security, user privacy, and national security.

The proposed rules require app providers and distribution platforms to protect ‘public order,’ enrich the spiritual and cultural life of their users, promote socialist core values, and adhere to the ‘correct political direction.’ Additionally, app providers offering news services must obtain a license and are prohibited from carrying and disseminating news beyond the scope of the license. On the user side, a new obligation to authenticate their identity is proposed.