Apple has recently removed dozens of artificial intelligence (AI) application from its Chinese App Store in anticipation of a new regulatory crackdown.
The app removals started after a series of media reports that high-profile apps such as FaceU and BeautyPlus were accessing user data without permission.
The crackdown comes as the Chinese government has become increasingly concerned about the proliferation of AI-based applications and their use of sensitive user data. Regulations unveiled in December 2020 focus on the areas of data collection, storage, and usage, and Apple is now playing catch-up to ensure its Chinese App Store is compliant.
The AI apps that have been removed include those used for facial recognition as well as others from popular developer companies like BeautyPlus. Apple noted that some of these apps had “unauthorized requests for user data” which violate its policy and it has now blocked their distribution.
Apple is also strengthening its own rules governing the use of user data. This includes introducing a new policy which requires third-party apps to confirm user consent for any data that is sent from its users.
In addition to the AI app removals, Apple has also removed mobile games that were using background location tracking without the user’s knowledge. As part of the crackdown, Apple has also tightened restrictions on voice recognition and video content in certain locations.
These steps are part of Apple’s larger effort to comply with Chinese regulations, which have become increasingly stringent in recent years. This effort is also likely to be reciprocated by other mobile companies in the near future. With digital regulation becoming a greater concern in China, Apple’s moves could be seen as the first of many to tighten rules and protect user data.
The Chinese government has welcomed these actions as a positive step for a country which has had more than its fair share of privacy issues in recent years. It is likely that the removals of these AI apps will act as a further signal of Apple’s commitment to regulating the App Store in the future.
