Academic research database fined for illegal data collection

Sixth Tone 12 September 2023

China’s largest academic research database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, or CNKI, has been handed another huge fine by regulators – this time for mishandling personal information, writes Ding Rui for Sixth Tone.

On Wednesday 6 September, China’s internet watchdog, the Cyberspace Administration of China, announced a fine of CNY50 million (US$6.8 million) following a year-long investigation that found CNKI had illegally collected users’ personal information through 14 mobile applications.

The apps, including CNKI and CNKI Reading, failed to disclose how they would collect and use the personal information. They also did not promptly delete users’ accounts when asked to do so. In a statement released 12 minutes after the fine was announced, CNKI said it will “sincerely accept and resolutely obey” the punishment.
Full report on the Sixth Tone site

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