China’s internet watchdog gets rid of TripAdvisor, 104 other apps
Source: https://hk.appledaily.com/news/20201209/AGEPMSW7ENGAXOSSIDZIEWCNEU/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=hkad_article_share&utm_content=share_link
Mainland China has removed 105 mobile applications, including American travel platform TripAdvisor, to cleanse online stores of apps considered to be tainted with pornography, prostitution, gambling and violence, the authorities say.
Those apps had violated one or more of three existing cyber laws, the Cyberspace Administration of China said on Tuesday, without elaborating on how each platform had flouted the rules.
The affected apps included those that provided live-streaming, ebook or video-sharing services. Cell phone applications would continue to come under strengthened supervision in order to create “fresh” space for internet users, the cybersecurity watchdog said.
It is unclear why TripAdvisor, which focuses on providing travel information, has been removed. Reuters said that it had sent inquiries to TripAdvisor’s bureau in Beijing and had not received a reply.
China is known for keeping a close eye on its cyberspace and for placing its internet users under surveillance. International platforms such as Google, Facebook and Twitter are all blocked on the mainland.