Beijing to regulate mobile apps with code of practice   

(ECNS) - Beijing will issue a code of practice to clean up the smartphone app market before Feb 19, 2015, the Beijing News reported Friday, citing the city's Cyberspace Administration.

All app developers will be required to register their real names and will be held responsible when apps are deemed "inappropriate," a catchall term that could refer to pornographic pictures or scantily clad poster models.

Otherwise, the platforms offering the apps for download will shoulder the blame, said Xia Rihong, the deputy head of the administration.

Vulgar content, pop-ups and viruses severely affect user experiences, and should be strictly managed using regulatory and technological means, as well as industry self-discipline, added Xia.

This Thursday, Baidu announced that 903 apps were removed from shelves due to obscene or indecent content.