Uber rival “DiDi” removed from app stores in China following personal data violation

Image credit: DiDi

DiDi Global Inc., one of the world’s leading mobility technology platforms, has been removed from app stores following an investigation into a customer data violation.

The company, who is set to go head-to-head with ride-hailing rival Uber, globally has confirmed the announcement made by the Cyberspace Administration of China (the “CAC”) on 4 July.

The CAC stated that it was reported and confirmed that the "DiDi Chuxing" app had the problem of collecting personal information in violation of relevant PRC laws and regulations.

Pursuant to the PRC's Cybersecurity Law, the CAC notified app stores to take down the "DiDi Chuxing" app in China, and required the company to strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations, follow the relevant standards set by the PRC government authorities, and rectify the problem to ensure the security of users' personal information.

Once the "DiDi Chuxing" app is taken down from app stores in China, the app can no longer be downloaded in China, although existing users who had previously downloaded and installed the app on their phones prior to the takedown may continue using it.

A spokesperson for DiDi has said: "The Company will strive to rectify any problems, improve its risk prevention awareness and technological capabilities, protect users' privacy and data security, and continue to provide secure and convenient services to its users."

The Company has said that it expects that the app takedown may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China.

Apart from the suspension of new user registration in China, and the app takedown in the country, DiDi has confirmed it maintains normal operations globally.