Cyberspace watchdog cracks down on app operators or infringing privacy

Operators of 84 smartphone applications have been ordered to rectify their actions within 15 days after they were found illegally collecting or using personal information, China's top internet watchdog said on Monday.

The applications involved those providing services on security management and online loans, such as Tencent Mobile Manager and 360 Mobile Security, according to the country's Cyberspace Administration.

Those two apps were discovered having collected users' personal information that had nothing to do with the services they offered, or they required users to provide excessive personal data, the authority said.

Some other apps were also found collecting personal information without getting permission of their users, it added.

All the app operators have been told to submit reports on what and how they corrected the problems to the administration after the rectification. Those failing to complete within the time limit will face punishment, the authority said.

Early in May, the administration had exposed 33 other apps, including Sogou Translate and Baidu Map, due to their illegal collection of personal information, urging them to rectify within 10 days.

China has intensified efforts against personal information infringements through administrative and legal measures in recent years. In April, for instance, the draft to China's first law on personal information protection was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, for a second review.