Didi, a popular ride-hailing app, was removed from application stores after the Cyberspace Administration of China verified a report about its illegal collection and use of personal information on Sunday.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, the administration said that the app, owned by ride-hailing giant Didi Global, seriously violated laws and regulations, and the decision to remove the app was made in accordance with the Cybersecurity Law. Didi should rectify its problems in relation to laws and national standards to protect the safety of its users' information, the administration said.

In a response posted on its Sina Weibo account on Sunday, Didi said it would rectify the problems and continuously raise its awareness of risk prevention. It added that it would improve its technical ability to protect its users' personal information and data, protect users from internet safety risks and continuously provide safe and convenient service.

Didi has suspended registrations by new users since Saturday. Those who had already downloaded the app can still use it normally, meaning that previous users — both passengers and drivers — are not affected.