Data privacy Illustration: VCG

China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center (CVERC) detected violations of privacy and cybersecurity laws by 18 mobile apps and would notify the apps to rectify the issues, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Saturday.

The apps, which are not very well known, are related to several areas, including education, music, travel and online games. They were found to engage in various illegal activities regarding privacy and cybersecurity laws. 

Three apps failed to prompt users to read their data collection rules through pop-up windows when users open the apps for the first time, or obtained user consent for using personal information with non-express ways such as setting the agreeing choice by default.  

A total of 15 apps did not explicitly request users' approval for full access to private information and three apps were reported to have been engaged in collecting users' personal information even before asking users for permission. 

Seven apps did not have the function for users to correct or delete personal information or delete their accounts, or set unreasonable conditions for users who want to delete their accounts. Another four apps failed to handle and provide access for users to report complaints regarding privacy issues. 

The CEVRC urged users to be cautious when download these apps that are in violation of laws and regulations. It will also take measures such as issuing notification to the apps to rectify, according to Xinhua.

Global Times