China’s government: Tencent may no longer launch new apps on the market

China’s government: Tencent may no longer launch new apps on the market

Beijing, Nov. 25, 2021

China has banned WeChat developer Tencent Holdings from launching new apps or updates to existing apps amid concerns that they will affect users‘ „rights and interests.“ The news comes days after China’s market regulator fined Tencent and other tech companies for alleged antitrust violations.

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology ordered the suspension Wednesday as part of a „temporary administrative guidance“ against Tencent, Chinese media reported. Other media reports said Tencent would only have to subject the new apps and updates to a seven-day review before they go live.

Tencent pointed out that it is always working to improve the apps‘ functions to protect users, and that it will work with authorities to comply with regulations. The tech giant has released over 70 active apps. Its Tencent Mobile Games division has released more than 100 games, including PUBG Mobile and Alchemy Stars.

Earlier this year, the company asked WeChat users to choose between overseas accounts and the China-only Weixin version to comply with China’s new and stricter data laws.