The Chinese cybersecurity regulator confirmed that DiDi Chuxing app had collected the personal information of users
Didi will continue to maintain its normal operations globally. (Credit: Foundry Co from Pixabay)
Ride-hailing firm Didi Global has halted its app downloads after a review conducted by the Chinese authorities found that it had violated cybersecurity regulations.
In its review, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has confirmed that the Didi Chuxing app had the problem of collecting the personal information of users.
By collecting such information, the app has violated relevant People’s Republic of China (PRC) laws and regulations, the CAC said.
In line with the PRC’s Cybersecurity Law, the authority has notified all smartphone app stores to take down the Didi Chuxing app in China.
The CAC has also asked the company to rectify the issue to ensure that users’ personal information remains secure.
Upon removal, the Didi Chuxing app will not be available for download from app stores in China.
However existing users who had previously downloaded and installed the app will be allowed to continue using it.
Didi will also continue to maintain its normal operations globally.
Didi stated: “The Company will strive to rectify any problems, improve its risk prevention awareness and technological capabilities, protect users’ privacy and data security, and continue to provide secure and convenient services to its users. The Company expects that the app takedown may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China.”
The company has also suspended new user registration on its app in China from 2 July, following a cybersecurity review announced by the PRC’s Cyberspace Administration Office.
Didi posted revenue of about CNY42.2bn ($6.5bn) for the first quarter of this year. The company recorded CNY39.2bn revenue from the China mobility division, while its international business earned CNY800m.
With operations in 4,000 locations across 16 countries, the company is a major player in the online ride-hailing space in China.
Didi’s app-based services include ride-hailing, taxi-hailing, chauffeur, hitch and other forms of shared mobility. It also offers auto solutions, food delivery, intra-city freight and financial services.