<p>Chinese app stores removed several apps developed by companies including Sogou and Iflytek amid increased scrutiny of the technology sector and data protection.</p>.<p>As of Friday afternoon, the so-called input method apps, which serve as virtual keyboards, could not be downloaded on Chinese Apple iOS store and Android app stores operated by Chinese smartphone makers such as Huawei.</p>.<p>Iflytek said in a statement that the app was removed due to violations of personal data collection rules, and it already completed the "rectification" and was currently waiting for approval from the regulators.</p>.<p>Sougou didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>.<p>In April, China issued draft guidelines seeking to limit the scope of mobile apps' collection of personal data.</p>.<p>Apps in China have been temporarily removed by regulators for mishandling user data or improper content, with existing users unaffected.</p>
<p>Chinese app stores removed several apps developed by companies including Sogou and Iflytek amid increased scrutiny of the technology sector and data protection.</p>.<p>As of Friday afternoon, the so-called input method apps, which serve as virtual keyboards, could not be downloaded on Chinese Apple iOS store and Android app stores operated by Chinese smartphone makers such as Huawei.</p>.<p>Iflytek said in a statement that the app was removed due to violations of personal data collection rules, and it already completed the "rectification" and was currently waiting for approval from the regulators.</p>.<p>Sougou didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>.<p>In April, China issued draft guidelines seeking to limit the scope of mobile apps' collection of personal data.</p>.<p>Apps in China have been temporarily removed by regulators for mishandling user data or improper content, with existing users unaffected.</p>