China published draft regulations that would govern internet application data collection and usage in order to enhance the privacy and transparency of users.

The Cyberspace Administration of China suggested that the apps should clearly indicate how the data is collected, obtain informed consent from the users, and only utilize the data towards the intended purposes.

The draft is announced on January 10 and is open to feedback till February 9.

The suggested regulations will require specifics of permission settings, prohibition of unnecessary or unwarranted gathering of data, and additional protection of minors and biometric data.

The draft also indicates that apps are only able to access camera and microphone data when the respective features are actively used, i.e., when taking photos or recording audio, and must cease use upon the completion of those functions.