In its latest bid to safeguard citizens from malicious stores, the Chinese government has issued a new order that will require the registration of every app store across the country. 

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) stated on Friday that all its offices have to ensure that they start these registration processes by Monday, Jan.16.

This decree does not come as a surprise as the Chinese government has a long history of controlling the Internet and other information-based sources.

The New Rule: A Security Measure

The new rule aims to restrict the functioning of apps that are engaged in spreading illegal information, violate user rights, pose a security threat, as well as circulate stolen content such as movies, songs, books and more.

There are many non-genuine apps that disappear suddenly after collecting information and money from people without offering any service. Now thanks to this new rule of registering all apps with the government, app developers or providers will need to register if they wish to setup a storefront or make any changes. The rule will acts as a safety measure for users, safeguarding them if a fraudulent app suddenly shuts down.

The new rule indicates that Beijing's intention is to solidify "mobile Internet application information service management regulations'" issued by the National Internet Information Office on June 28 in 2016.

The Impact 

The official notice suggests that this new rule is aimed at developing the Internet application store space. It also noted that some basic norms and management of the application stores are not perfect.

"The Internet application store should be in accordance with the ICP record or permit to apply to the site to the site to submit a paper version of the electronic version of the filing materials and perform application store filing procedures," reads the notice published on the website of Cyberspace Administration.

Source: techtimes