Global: Chinese Tech Giants Begin Implementing New Government App Regulations

China’s technology giants have initiated the enforcement of new regulations governing app publishers.

According to Reuters, mobile app stores operated by companies such as Tencent and Xiaomi have commenced blocking app publishers from launching new apps if they have not made the requisite disclosures to the authorities. These new regulations, introduced last month, mandate that mobile app publishers submit business details to the government.

The implementation of these regulations has raised concerns within the industry that the process of publishing apps may become exceedingly challenging, potentially leading to the closure of many apps.

Rich Bishop, CEO of app publishing company AppInChina, stated, “The Android app stores have confirmed that new apps require the app filings from Friday onwards, and existing apps must have it from March 31 onwards. It forces all global apps on these app stores to either establish a local entity or work with a local partner.”

This development follows the news from just over a month ago when Apple removed more than 100 generative artificial intelligence (AI) apps from its app store in China, coinciding with the country’s introduction of new AI regulations.

Apple had stated in a developer notification at the time that it removed the apps “because they include data that is illegal in China.”

China’s regulation of generative AI models, which took effect on August 15, requires companies to promote “healthy content,” adhere to core socialist values, and avoid generating content that is false or threatens national security.

Additionally, the rules mandate that firms refrain from several forms of discrimination in designing their algorithms and selecting training data.

Furthermore, in August, China introduced screen time regulations aimed at curbing excessive online use among children.

These rules, established by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), are among the world’s most stringent internet usage restrictions. They prohibit “non-adult” children from accessing the internet on mobile devices between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The regulations also limit mobile device usage to two hours for children aged 16 to 18. Additionally, platforms are required to provide lullabies for children under 13, along with educational news and entertainment content for those under 12 years old.