Security News > 2021 > July > DiDi, China’s Uber analog, booted from local app stores for data naughtiness

Chinese ride hailing app DiDi Chuxing was on Sunday removed from local app stores on on grounds that it did not comply with data protection laws.

In its notice of its actions the CAC wrote: "The DiDi Travel App has serious violations of laws and regulations in collecting and using personal information."

Although existing users can still use the app, it is unavailable for download from Chinese app stores.

The timing of the CAC's actions sparked rumours that DiDi leaked data in the US. DiDi Vice President Li Min called the claims "Malicious" on his Weibo account, adding that DiDi user data is stored on domestic servers in China and will not be exported to the US. The company shared its veep's post.

The US leak theory was given further credence when, a day after its DiDi decision, the CAC announced reviews of more apps that recently floated in the USA. The apps were Huochebang and Yunmanman, which are owned by "Uber for trucks" analogue Full Truck Alliance, and recruitment site Boss Zhipin, owned by Kanzhun.

The removal of the app comes at a time when Beijing has sought to gain more control over tech companies and the way they collect and use data.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2021/07/05/didi_the_ridesharing_platform_that/