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Chinese internet service giant Tencent has been reported to have suspended new app releases or updates in accordance with regulatory directives. The move is believed to be temporary, but the specific duration of the suspension has not been disclosed.
According to reports, on November 24, 2021, regulators stopped distributing new apps and updating apps because the Tencent app was found to be infringing on users’ rights and privacy. According to a Chinese state-run broadcasting station, MIIT, an internet regulator in China, is instructing social media and game companies in the country that apps must be inspected before distribution.
According to a survey by Qimai, an app tracking company, more than 70 apps are released by Tencent and more than 100 game apps are released by the company’s game division. The ban is believed to be temporary administrative guidance towards the implementation of the new regulatory law, but it is unclear how long the suspension will last.
Tencent said in a statement that its apps continue to work and are available for download, saying that the company continues to work to strengthen user protections within its apps and is regularly working with government agencies to comply with regulations. You can’t update, but you can still download and use the app.
In 2021, Tencent was exposed to various regulatory issues for its apps, and in July, it temporarily suspended new registrations on WeChat to respond to regulatory changes. Also in September, a new data protection law in China came into force, requiring Chinese users to use either the global version of WeChat or the domestic version of Weixin.
Moreover, MIIT notified operators of 38 popular apps in November that they would be fined if they did not change how they collect user data, including three apps developed by Tencent. Related information can be found here.
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