Investing.com - 41 apps including Tencent’s messaging app were criticized by China on Thursday for forcing their users to hand over personal data, Reuters reported citing a statement from the Industry and Information Technology Ministry

The move is part of Beijing’s “rectification” efforts to crack down on mobile app privacy violations. QQ, Tencent’s messaging app, violated regulations on data collection by requiring their users to hand over a “broad range of data,” the ministry said, noting that the app also make it harder than necessary for users to deactivate their accounts.

According to data cited by Reuters, QQ currently has 653.4 million monthly active users.

The 41 apps targeted in the crackdown were asked to make changes by the end of the month, the report said. So far, over 100 companies were ordered to make changes by the ministry.

Tencent’s shares in Hong Kong fell 1.3% to reach HK$372.60 by 12:50 AM ET (04:50 GMT).

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