The Cyberspace Administration of China recently made an announcement on its website, requiring all mobile app stores to register with its offices. This is reportedly being carried out as a form of security measure.
According to the information provided on the website, the rules go into effect from Monday, January 16. The new law falls parallel with the 2016 law that is specifically designed to restrict apps that attempt to disrupt national security, social order and other illegal activities. Users will now be protected from fraudulent companies that essentially collect information and money from consumers but shut down before they can actually take advantage of the services.
Prominent companies such as Apple and Alibaba run their own app stores. These companies have their own rules and guidelines for developers. Meanwhile, Google is restricted from operating in the countries; there are many other third-party Android stores that a majority of the consumers use.
The New York Times claims that many of these apps and websites feature lax security standards, which indirectly puts Chinese consumers at risk.
App store owners will now have to register in any of the three cases: if they are planning to set up a store front, if they plan on implementing changes to their product, or if they decide to shut the company down all together. The rules will help provide certain regulatory oversight for consumers.
