China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has publicly reprimanded the recruitment app Yipiao Direct Employment (鱼泡直聘) for deceptive practices involving the collection of user data. The announcement, made on March 13th and reported by multiple Chinese news outlets including Xinhua News Agency, The Beijing News, and Eastmoney, comes ahead of the annual “3·15” consumer rights day.
The MIIT, according to reports, initiated a review of 24 apps and Software Development Kits (SDKs) and identified violations of user rights. Yipiao Direct Employment was specifically cited for “deceiving and misleading users into providing personal information.” The ministry’s action is part of an ongoing effort to regulate app behavior and protect user privacy, a concern that has been growing in China.
The MIIT stated that the identified apps and SDKs are required to implement corrective measures. Failure to comply will result in further action, according to the ministry. The specific nature of Yipiao Direct Employment’s deceptive practices was not detailed in the initial announcement, but the MIIT’s action signals a serious concern regarding the app’s data handling procedures.
Yipiao Direct Employment gained attention in the past for its aggressive marketing tactics, including a reported investment of 1.5 billion yuan (approximately $210 million USD) to plaster subway stations with its logo and branding, as reported by Driving Home. This high-profile marketing campaign now appears in stark contrast to the current regulatory scrutiny.
The MIIT’s announcement follows a broader trend of increased oversight of technology companies in China, particularly regarding data privacy and security. The ministry has been actively working to enforce regulations and address user complaints related to app behavior. The outcome of the required corrective measures for Yipiao Direct Employment, and whether the company will face further penalties, remains to be seen.
