BEIJING, March 16 -- Chinese authorities have inspected 3.22 million mobile applications since 2019 to protect personal information, issuing notices of criticism to or removing about 3,000 applications that violated laws and regulations, according to a white paper published Thursday.

The white paper titled "China's Law-Based Cyberspace Governance in the New Era" was released by China's State Council Information Office.

Through targeted actions, violations of personal information rights have been effectively curbed, as many more applications are now conforming to relevant regulations and the public has also built a strong awareness of personal data protection, according to the white paper.

Targeting covert, high-frequency personal information infringements with high-tech means, China has adopted new thinking and methods of supervision and taken tougher action against illegal activities, the white paper noted.