HONG KONG — In the clearest sign yet that China’s government has begun a new push to solidify control over mobile apps, a regulator has ordered the registration of app stores across the country. In a notice published on its website, the Cyberspace Administration of China said late Friday that its offices across China should ensure that records are kept on the country’s many app stores, starting Monday. It said the purpose of the registration was to ensure that it is clear who takes responsibility if apps, or app stores, are found to engage in illegal practices. Just three weeks ago, Apple removed the English and Chinese-language news apps of The New York Times from its China app store. Still, it may take years for the government to exert control over all the app stores in the country.

Source: New York Times January 14, 2017 15:54 UTC