China’s regulator ordered the removal of 25 apps owned by Didi Global Inc, the country’s largest ride-hailing service, from the App Store, citing serious violations of rules against collecting personal data.
China’s Cyberspace Administration had already taken down the main Didi app last Sunday, pending a cybersecurity review, after its debut on the US stock market last week.
The 25 additional apps include Didi Enterprises, as well as apps designed for Didi drivers. Didi’s spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The move comes after Chinese officials said earlier this week that they would increase surveillance of listed companies abroad. Under the new measures, data security and regulation of cross-border data flow as well as the management of confidential data will be improved.
Didi is the latest company to face scrutiny from the Chinese government. An investigation found how Didi collected and used personal information was a “serious breach”, the internet regulator said earlier in the week. A statement said the company was asked to “fix the problems” but did not provide any details. The internet regulator also said that Didi was barred from accepting new customers until the investigation was completed.
