BEIJING - A total of 18 mobile apps from 10 companies have received security certificates on personal data protection from China's internet authorities on Sunday.

The apps, including Union Pay, Suning, China Mobile and Baidu Map, passed technical verifications and on-site tests during the certification process.

The security certification aims to regulate app operators' collection, use and transfer of personal information, said Wei Hao, an official with the China Cybersecurity Review Technology and Certification Center.?