Chinese govt tightens control on mobile software

The Chinese government is set to strengthen management on software installation for mobile phones, asking domestic smartphone manufacturers to report their installation information beginning next month.

Pre-installed software that harm customers' interests will be banned.

According to a document issued by Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in April, Chinese smartphone manufacturers have to provide authorities with information on mobile operating systems and pre-installed mobile software running on their handsets. The document takes effect on Nov 1.

The ministry prohibited companies from installing mobile software that gathers or edits people's private information without permission. Meanwhile, smartphone firms should not use software that results in financial loss or leaks personal information.

China has seen a rapid increase of smart terminals in recent years. The country passed the United States to become the world's biggest smartphone market in 2011. According to Canalys, smartphone shipment in China reached 88 million in the second quarter, accounting for one-third of all shipments worldwide.