The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has taken action against 31 apps and software development kits (SDKs) for infringing on user rights, as announced by its Information and Communications Administration on May 21. Among the identified apps, including Kuwo Music, Himalaya, and Baidu Netdisk, a common violation was the practice of forced or misleading page redirects. This issue has become particularly pronounced with the increase in promotional activities surrounding the "618" shopping festival, where some apps use non-compliant methods on their splash screens and pop-up windows to induce user clicks. These tactics include employing highly sensitive "shake-to-open" mechanisms that easily trigger unintended redirects.
The problem of erratic app redirects extends beyond mere user annoyance; it constitutes a potential infringement of consumer rights and interests. In response, commentary published by People's Daily Online argued that for apps that repeatedly violate rules and engage in serious misconduct, authorities should not only mandate their removal and shutdown but also trace responsibility back to the involved advertisers and service providers to hold relevant entities legally accountable.
Following up on this, the MIIT's Information and Communications Administration convened a special meeting on June 9, as reported by its official WeChat account "MIIT Micro-Report." The meeting aimed to guide and urge relevant internet platforms and smart device manufacturers to strengthen the standardized management of how app information windows are presented, explicitly prohibiting non-compliant window displays.
During the session, the administration presented problem clues discovered during routine inspections and instructed all related companies to immediately conduct self-inspections and rectifications. They are required to comprehensively review all types of information window styles that are already live or scheduled for release.
Companies were directed to establish and improve online monitoring mechanisms to promptly take down non-compliant window styles. They must adhere strictly to compliance boundaries, enhance internal review and compliance management systems, standardize service practices, and optimize user experience to effectively prevent violations and genuinely protect user rights.
Moving forward, the MIIT's Information and Communications Administration will continue to carry out regular monitoring and testing. Any discovered violations will be addressed according to the law through measures such as administrative interviews, public notices, and app removals, with the goal of全力营造放心安全的消费环境 (fostering a secure and trustworthy consumer environment).
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