A survey has found that 85.2 % of app users in China have experienced data leaks, according to a report by the China Consumer Association.

For the vast majority of them (86.5%), the leaks resulted in receiving harassing calls and messages from sales departments and advertisers, while three quarters complained of getting calls from fraudsters. Among the top three complaints was receiving spam (63.4%), while other unwanted consequences included receiving illegal links and even account password thefts.

According to the Association, during the first half of 2018, illegal data collection from e-commerce and social platforms became a new hot spot for complaints. After surveying more than 4,400 respondents between July and August 2018, the organization published its findings in the “App Personal Information Leak Survey Report” on August 29th.

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