CNKI fined 50 million yuan for illegally collecting...

According to the conclusions of the cybersecurity review and the problems discovered, as well as the clues provided, the Cyberspace Administration of China has initiated an investigation into CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for suspected illegal handling of personal information. CNKI is the world's largest Chinese literature search engine sponsored by Tsinghua University.

After a thorough investigation, it was found that three companies affiliated with CNKI, including their operated mobile apps such as Mobile CNKI and CNKI Reader, were involved in illegal activities concerning the collection of personal information. These activities included collecting personal information without necessary consent, failing to disclose or clearly state the collection and usage rules, not providing an account cancellation function, and failing to promptly delete users' personal information after account cancellation.

On September 1st, based on the Cybersecurity Law, Personal Information Protection Law, Administrative Penalty Law, and other relevant laws and regulations, the Cyberspace Administration of China made a decision regarding administrative penalties for CNKI's illegal handling of personal information. 

Taking into account the nature, consequences, duration of the illegal activities, as well as the results of the cybersecurity review, CNKI has been ordered to cease its illegal handling of personal information and has been fined 500 million yuan.