Clickbait crackdown to protect tech consumers
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E-mail China Daily, March 17, 2022
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Wednesday it will intensify its crackdown on illegal practices like companies offering online links－clickbait－that trick users into downloading malicious apps, as part of its broader efforts to safeguard consumers' legitimate rights and interests.
The comments came after China Media Group's annual consumer rights gala on Tuesday to celebrate the annual World Consumer Rights Day exposed a string of online services and electronic products that infringe on consumers' legitimate rights and interests.
The ministry said three apps that were found to have deceived users into downloading malicious apps in the name of offering free Wi-Fi services, have been punished: all online app stores have been asked to remove the three apps, including the one whose name roughly translates as a Wi-Fi cracking wizard.
The top industry regulator said the companies concerned will be punished in accordance with laws and regulations, and it will also arrange third-party testing agencies to conduct comprehensive technical testing of all Wi-Fi connection apps, and deal with any problems found.
When it comes to companies such as Ma'anshan Baizhu Network Technology Co Ltd that were found triggering consumers into downloading bundled apps, relevant provincial communications administrations will conduct deeper investigations into the problems and punish them in accordance with laws and regulations, the ministry said.
Chinese IT information website Zol.com said on Wednesday it has immediately ceased its cooperation with Ma'anshan Baizhu Network Technology Co Ltd, and has closed its platform for software downloads.
Ma'anshan Baizhu Network Technology Co Ltd was not immediately available for comment.
According to the ministry, more efforts will also be made to ensure the security features of smartwatches tailor-made for children.
It will strengthen technical testing, supervision and inspection of children's mobile smart devices. If the devices fail to meet safety standards, the firms concerned will be punished in accordance with laws and regulations.
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