Chinese companies produce a lot of world popular photo and video apps. That may put a thousand user data at risk of falling into Beijing’s hands. Moreover, many China camera apps are successful to gain global popularity.
People, globally, currently concern about internet privacy security and data protection. China’s mobile programs count hundreds of millions of active users. Yet, their capacity to ensure privacy remains a matter of debate. Especially, since there’s less of an emphasis on that factor at home.
Last year, the CEO of tech giant Baidu sparked an uproar. He stated that Chinese people are not so sensitive about privacy issues. Furthermore, he added that they are often willing to exchange privacy for efficiency.
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The worst thing is some of China camera apps explicitly state that they provide data to third parties. They make their statements in their privacy agreements. However, it is unclear whether the so-called third parties include any government agencies.
The Issue in Privacy Law
Indeed, China isn’t lawless when it comes to cybersecurity. The country has several sets of guidelines. Yet, they employ ‘vague’ language. The laws enforced some laws as a tool needed by the government.
Government control is the salient point in China’s approach to regulating digital businesses. If they don’t comply with government requests, they’ll get into trouble with the Communist Party.
One of China’s most known tech companies, Tencent, is also ambiguous on the issue. In its general privacy policy, that they may disclose user’s personal information. Sadly, Tencent is the parent company of WeChat. WeChat is a widely used social media app in China.
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If an app developed by a Chinese company, even when the user lives in abroad it will still fall under the country’s cybersecurity laws. Thus, it will be subject to Beijing’s requests.
User data sharing
Chinese photo-editing app Meitu offers features that can remove wrinkles, smooth pores, and lengthen legs. The mobile app had 332 million monthly active users in December last year. While, 68% were Chinese users and 32% were from the rest of the world, according to a report.
Meitu collects personal details such as names, genders, locations, types of devices, and even what network operators are used. Meitu stated that it would never deny sharing data with the Chinese government.
