Do not tap “agree to everything” just to use an app
Under China’s Personal Information Protection Law, an app generally cannot refuse a service merely because you decline data collection that is unnecessary for that service. Collection must be limited to what the purpose requires. Location can be relevant to navigation; your contact list is not necessary for a flashlight.
What it takes
Free. The effort is pausing instead of accepting every request automatically.
What you may gain
The law establishes two relevant limits. A provider may not refuse a product or service because you withhold or withdraw consent, unless processing that information is necessary to provide it. Collection must also stay within the minimum scope required for the stated purpose.
Context & considerations
Ask whether the particular information is necessary for the particular service. A navigation feature may need location access; a flashlight does not need your contacts. After installing an app, review its permissions and turn off unnecessary ones. If a feature later needs access, consider allowing it only that time.
Research & references
Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (2021). Personal Information Protection Law. http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/c2/c30834/202108/t20210820_313088.html. Article 6 limits collection to the minimum necessary and prohibits excessive collection. Article 16 prohibits refusal based on withholding or withdrawing consent, subject to the necessity exception. Article 15 gives individuals the right to withdraw consent and requires a convenient way to do so.