Tencent's apps reportedly required to undergo inspection before launch

Chinese tech giant Tencent has been required to submit new apps or updates for inspection before uploading as its apps were said to have infringed users' rights and interests. The new requirement did not hamper the use of existing apps, according to multiple media reports. In a report from Reuters, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has issued a notice that all mobile apps and updates will need to have a review before uploading to app stores. It was reported that the process will take about seven days.

A spokesman of Tencent said, "We are continuously working to enhance user protection features within our apps, and also have regular cooperation with relevant government agencies to ensure regulatory compliance. Our apps remain functional and available for download."

Meanwhile, in a report from the South China Morning Post, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has told app stores and platforms to follow orders to suspend Tencent's apps from updating from Wednesday, including its superapp WeChat in China that has 1.25 billion users.

The report did not indicate how long the suspension will be and after a brief search on the website of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, there is no information about the ban.

Tech companies have been facing more stringent regulations from the government this year. For example, in July, Reuters  reported that antitrust regulators in China will be blocking Tencent’s merger of the top two videogame streaming sites, Huya and DouYu. This comes as Tencent fails to produce remedies to meet the State Administration of Market Regulation's (SAMR) requirements on giving up exclusive rights.

Tencent also withdrew its merger application for antitrust review as it was unable to complete a resubmission within 180 days after submitting the application for the first time. The news of the merger of Huya and DouYu emerged last year. Tencent owned a 36.9% stake in Huya and more than 33% in DouYu. The two platforms hold the top two positions in China’s video gaming streaming industry, and is a popular destination for esports tournaments streaming and professional gamers.

Also, Tencent's music streaming arm Tencent Music was ordered to give up music labels exclusivity. A report from Reuters in July said that China's antitrust regulator the State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) was set to order Tencent Music to give up exclusive rights to music labels, which is the tool for the tech giant to compete with smaller competitors.

Related articles
Tencent Music teams up with Apple to offer Chinese music globally
Tencent to acquire Japanese publishing company Kadokawa
Study: Tencent beats out Alibaba to become China's most valuable brand
Tencent Music given 30 days to give up exclusive music licensing rights