China requires Tencent to submit new apps and updates for inspection

China has required Tencent to submit any new apps or updates of current ones for inspections before they are made publicly available after the government found several of the company’s apps violate the country’s regulations, Chinese financial news outlet Yicai reported on Wednesday. fair.

Citing unnamed sources, Yicai said Tencent was framed by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) after some of its applications allegedly infringed users’ rights and interests, in the government’s assessment.

Yicai also said that MIIT recently issued a notice to advise that between November 24th and December 31st, all apps and their updates will need to go through a review approximately seven days before being uploaded to the app stores.

Tencent said its apps remain up and running and available for download, in response to a story by Yicai and other local press outlets.

“We are continually working to improve the user protection features in our apps, and we also have regular cooperation with relevant government agencies to ensure regulatory compliance. Our apps remain functional and available for download,” the company said.

Last year, Chinese regulators mounted a wide-ranging enforcement campaign on the country’s big tech companies. Authorities sought to end some of the industry’s long-standing practices after accusing the industry of monopolistic behavior and violating user rights.