China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (“MIIT”) has continued to amplify its scrutiny over media companies and the apps that they operate in the context of user data protection. One of the more visible examples includes the suspension of certain apps in late 2021, including WeChat, the ubiquitous Chinese social communications platform owned by the Chinese internet services giant Tencent. Given the popularity of such messaging apps in workplaces and how common it is for employees to use these apps for business purposes, companies with operations in China should consider the implications of potential further action by the MIIT or other Chinese authorities and the interplay between data privacy and the ability to monitor workplace conduct, as well as maintenance of accurate business records. Continue
Ropes & Gray attorneys regularly provide insightful perspective on key legal issues.To read more, visit our Alerts archive.