According to reports from multiple local outlets, Beijing has ordered Chinese tech giant Tencent to stop releasing new apps and app updates so that the authorities can inspect its products.
According to China Daily, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said that the government is imposing "transitive administrative guidelines" on Tencent after nine of its products were found to have violated regulations.
China introduced a new privacy law this month that restricts what companies and individuals can do with personal data, the latest in the country's crackdown on big tech's once-unchecked growth.
The suspension of updates is expected to continue until the end of 2021, according to the report.
The current versions of the apps are still usable. It owns several apps, including QQ, which has over a billion active users.
We work to improve user protection features within our apps and have regular cooperation with government agencies to ensure regulatory compliance. "Our apps are available for download and remain functional," said the statement.
The company did not respond to the request for comment.
