Voice of China, China Media Group:

We noticed that the MIIT recently issued a notice on further improving the service capacity of mobile internet applications, aiming to optimize the services and enhance user experience. What progress has the MIIT made in promoting ICT for people's livelihoods this year? What's the next plan? Thank you.

Zhao Zhiguo:

Thank you for your questions. ICT services concern the vital interests and personal experiences of the public. The MIIT has embraced a people-centered development philosophy and taken practical measures to enhance people's livelihoods. In the first quarter of this year, we have improved institutions and regulations. We issued notices about further improving the service capacity of mobile internet applications and introduced a range of standards, including evaluation standards, to protect the rights and interests of app users. We have set up a complaint-handling center for radio frequency interference and further improved our service systems. We have also expanded the range of service applications available to users. The average speed of mobile networks has been on the rise. Applications such as livestreaming and online tourism have thrived. The number of active apps reached 2.61 million. The mobile internet has been deeply integrated into people's production, life, studies and work, providing quality services with quick accessibility. We have improved digital services to bring more benefits to people. We have continued to carry out activities with themes such as "Do Practical Things for the People," "Heartfelt and Dedicated Services," and "Service Hubs." We selected and promoted a batch of excellent cases of improving services in frequently encountered scenarios for the convenience of senior citizens to provide more considerate and heartwarming digital services. We have addressed key issues and conducted tests on the technologies of 50,000 apps. Moreover, we have brought attention to the violations of regulations committed by 101 apps and SDKs, with a specific emphasis on addressing concerns related to unwanted redirection or "shake-to-open" advertisements, in order to purify the service environment.

Next, we will give priority to the work in the following aspects.

First, we will improve the service system to create a sound environment. We will prioritize the improvement of the sector's conduct, rectify any misconduct, and expedite the development of a comprehensive modern service system. We will work to ensure that documents already issued are fully implemented, refine policies and measures, and make detailed standards and regulations to guide mobile internet applications to improve service quality throughout the process. We will accelerate the development of the public services platform for mobile internet applications and enhance technological capacities for monitoring and testing, risk warning, origin-tracing and authentication. We will improve mechanisms for industry self-regulation, coordinated services, evaluation and oversight to create a sound environment encouraging the pursuit of excellence and mutual reinforcement.

Second, we will provide enhanced services to improve user experience. We will accelerate the development of 5G and 1000M fiber optic networks, advance universal telecom services, and further expand internet coverage in both breadth and depth. We will promote the application of technologies and innovation in models and continue to expand service areas and scenarios. We will upgrade the functions of internet applications specially designed for the convenience of senior citizens, ensuring that services are more convenient and accessible to them. We will advance online and cross-regional handling of telecom services, improve customer services via video communication, and simplify the variety and quantity of plans to enable people to have easy access to and worry-free use of services and continue to improve their sense of gain and satisfaction.  

Third, we will strengthen comprehensive governance to protect users' rights and interests. We will focus on the pressing difficulties and issues that concern the public most and work to resolve acute problems. We will strengthen app governance throughout all stages and regulate service behavior such as software installation and uninstallation, automatic renewals, and pop-up windows. Spamming activities will be curbed on a regular basis. We will collaborate with relevant departments to strengthen prevention at the source and promote call blocking anti-harassment services. We will strengthen the integrated technical prevention of telecom and internet fraud. The "card cutting campaign" targeting fraudulent schemes involving SIM cards and IOT cards will be advanced. We will step up efforts to advance the application of the 12381 SMS platform for early warning of fraud and promote a service that enables citizens to inquire about all mobile phone cards registered under their own ID numbers. With all these efforts, we will take practical steps to safeguard property security and the legitimate rights and interests of the people. Thank you!

Shou Xiaoli:

Thanks to all the speakers and the media participants for your valuable contributions. Today's briefing is now concluded. Goodbye!

Translated and edited by Zhu Bochen, Xu Kailin, Yuan Fang, Yang Xi, Zhang Junmian, Zhou Jing, Wang Wei, Wang Yiming, Liu Sitong, He Shan, Li Huiru, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.