The China tech regulator taking on Didi: Five things to know

Cyberspace Administration stakes out key role as data emerges as flashpoint

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Analysts believe the timing of the CAC's inquiry on the heels of Didi's IPO is no coincidence. (Nikkei montage/Reuters)

GRACE LI and MICHELLE CHAN, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO/HONG KONG -- Global investors suddenly have reason to take much more notice of the Cyberspace Administration of China, after the regulator unveiled tough measures against one of the country's most recognizable tech companies, Didi Global.

Ride-hailing company Didi was told by the CAC on Sunday that it had found "serious violations" of data laws with its all-important consumer app and that it must be removed from app stores in China -- a big blow just days after the company raised almost $4.4 billion in an initial public offering in New York.

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