China Forces App Stores Across the Country to Register

Chinese authorities have filed an order that will force app stores to be registered across the country, as China tries to gain more control over mobile apps.

The filing, by the Cyberspace Administration of China, notes that all provinces, regions and municipalities in China would need to ensure that mobile app stores were registered.

It noted that, according to the China Network Information Office, “Many apps have been found to spread illegal information, violate user rights or contain security risks.” It continues to make it clear that the main intention of the filing was to ‘promote healthy and orderly development of mobile internet’.

The move comes as third-party app stores continue to rise in place of the Play Store – which is blocked in China. All of these operating app stores will be required to register and inform the authorities of any changes to their app stores. In addition, the app stores will be required to cancel their registrations should they stop operating their services.

Earlier this month, Apple was forced to remove the New York Times app from its App Store in China, after allegations that the publication had violated local regulations with its content. The new filing will look to work to prevent any further violations similar to this.