Ethical Hacking News
China has launched a significant crackdown on personal information collection and use, targeting six key settings including apps, software development kits, wearables, facial recognition technology, offline data collection, and employers. The move aims to promote data protection and cybersecurity, while also addressing concerns around transparency and accountability in the tech industry. As the global tech landscape continues to evolve, it's essential to stay informed about emerging trends and regulatory developments.
The Cyberspace Administration, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, and the State Administration for Market Regulation have jointly announced a crackdown on personal information collection in China. Apps and mini-apps embedded in social media services are being targeted due to concerns over lack of transparency and oversight in data handling. Software development kits are also under scrutiny, with regulatory bodies requiring them to include features that promote privacy-friendly data handling. The use of facial recognition technology in public places is being cracked down on due to concerns about potential exploitation and abuse. Offline collection of personal information, such as scanning codes, is being banned outright due to concerns over data security and privacy. Illicit collection of personal information by certain entities, such as recruiters and accommodation providers, is also under investigation.
China has recently launched a significant crackdown on the collection and use of personal information, a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the global tech industry. The Cyberspace Administration, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, and the State Administration for Market Regulation have jointly announced their intention to deepen enforcement of privacy laws in six key settings.
The first setting targeted by this crackdown is apps and mini-apps embedded in social media services. China's regulatory bodies are concerned that operators often fail to spell out clear rules for personal information collection, require permission to access user contacts or media files when necessary, and do not allow users to opt-out or file complaints. This lack of transparency and oversight has raised concerns among lawmakers and citizens alike.
The second setting targeted by the crackdown is software development kits. These kits are used by developers to build apps that collect personal information, but they often lack features that would allow for more privacy-friendly data handling. By requiring these kits to include specific features that promote privacy, China aims to encourage developers to design their apps with users' rights in mind.
The third setting targeted is wearables and smart home products. Many of these devices are designed to collect sensitive information about users, but they often fail to inform users about the data being collected or how it will be used. This lack of transparency is seen as a serious issue by regulatory bodies, who are now demanding that manufacturers provide clear instructions on data collection and usage.
The fourth setting targeted is illegal use of facial recognition technology in public places. China's regulatory bodies have long been concerned about the misuse of biometric data, particularly when it comes to sensitive information such as fingerprints or facial features. By cracking down on this practice, China aims to protect citizens from potential exploitation and abuse.
The fifth setting targeted is offline collection of personal information. This includes practices such as scanning codes to order food in restaurants or paying for goods in retail stores, where personal information is collected without users' knowledge or consent. Regulatory bodies are now demanding that these practices be banned outright, citing concerns about data security and privacy.
Finally, the sixth setting targeted is illegal collection of personal information by recruiters, transport operators, educational organizations, providers of medical care, and accommodation providers. These entities have been accused of collecting sensitive information without users' consent or knowledge, often for nefarious purposes such as tracking individuals or targeting them with ads.
The regulatory bodies behind this crackdown are determined to ensure that their efforts deliver swift results. While the motivations behind the crackdown remain unclear, it is clear that China's government is taking a serious approach to data protection and cybersecurity.
Meanwhile, in other news around the world, Indonesia has lifted its ban on the sale of Apple's iPhone 16, citing progress made by the tech giant in investing in the country's tech ecosystem. The ban was imposed last year, with Apple agreeing to build an R&D facility in Indonesia as part of the deal.
In Japan, train stations are being printed using a 3D printer technology that has raised hopes for more efficient and sustainable urban planning. Meanwhile, India has claimed to have achieved a significant boost in rocket engine payload capacity, paving the way for new space missions and satellite launches.
Furthermore, Microsoft's Phi-4 small language model is now being used by Japan Airlines' cabin crew to write flight reports. The app allows staff to create reports quickly and efficiently, without requiring connectivity or internet access.
In related news, China has announced plans to label all AI-generated content with watermarks and metadata, in an effort to increase transparency and accountability around the use of artificial intelligence.
Finally, the US government has announced a new initiative aimed at closing loopholes in its entity list for sanctioned companies. This move is seen as a major step towards preventing American tech businesses from making deals with sanctioned entities without proper oversight.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/The-Rise-of-Chinas-Cybersecurity-Crackdown-A-Growing-Trend-with-Global-Implications-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/03/31/asia_tech_news_in_brief/
Published: Sun Mar 30 20:08:25 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
