( July 14, 2025, 07:47 GMT | Official Statement) — MLex Summary: Sixty-eight mobile apps have been flagged by Chinese authorities for illegally collecting and using personal data, according to the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center, a technical unit under the country’s Internet regulator. The list includes apps linked to Guangzhou Automobile Group’s AION Y electric SUV, a software development kit from online game operator Xunlei, bubble tea brand ALittle Tea and China International Travel Service’s Aoyou platform. Authorities said violations included inadequate privacy notices, insufficient disclosure of third-party data-sharing arrangements and failure to provide accessible options to correct or delete user data. Several apps were also found to lack convenient opt-out mechanisms for automated marketing. The tests were conducted as part of a broader campaign led by China’s central authorities to strengthen personal-information protections.
The statement is attached: …
Travel Apps & Platforms
Generative AI can make travel services more accessible to millions of Indians: Sanjay Mohan, Group CTO, MakeMyTrip
MakeMyTrip is India’s leading online travel company that also owns the Goibibo and Redbus travel apps. To date, more than 62 million people have planned and booked their travel from these apps. Three out of 10 domestic travelers book their flight tickets via MakeMyTrip’s group of apps.
Earlier today, MakeMyTrip announced its collaboration with Microsoft for introducing voice-assisted booking in Indian languages on its platform powered by Azure OpenAI Service. The company says generative AI will make their platform more inclusive and accessible to more customers across the country.
Microsoft Stories India caught up with Sanjay Mohan, MakeMyTrip’s CTO, to find out how generative AI has the potential to transform how people plan their travel and enable MakeMyTrip to serve its customers better.
Edited excerpts from the interview follow:
How do you envision generative AI transforming the travel industry?
Let’s backtrack a little bit and understand what generative AI is good at, especially with large language models. The first opportunity is summarizing content from a large database. The entire travel industry sits on a huge corpus of travel data, and it becomes a daunting task of making sense of it.
The second is conversational capabilities. Holiday planning, for instance, is a nuanced purchase where several things must come together to compose a package and every customer has their own preferences. By making the flow conversational with generative AI, we can elicit the right responses from customers and better understand their preferences. Customers too will have a better experience if they are able to use conversation as the medium of engagement on the platform.
The third one, which I find is the most interesting, is adding voice to this entire flow, especially Indian languages. It can make travel services more accessible. It will open the industry to new audiences – the next 100-200 million users in India – who are not very comfortable with English but are fluent in their language, and who are more comfortable interacting with voice than navigating a complex app on their phone. It will also improve accessibility for users with disabilities who are unable to use an app effectively.
Can you provide specific examples of how generative AI will enhance customer experience on MakeMyTrip’s platform?
At MakeMyTrip, we have a huge corpus of user-generated content, like hotel reviews for every category of traveler. Everyone has a different context for travel, and they are all looking for something specific in a hotel. A family with kids might look for a hotel with a swimming pool and play area with activities for kids, a couple on their honeymoon might look for an infinity pool or a solo traveler might be looking for adventurous things to do. Generative AI can help us provide contextual summarization of user-generated reviews. We’re experimenting with providing summaries of reviews from other customers who have stayed at those hotels that are relevant to a user’s context to help them with their purchase decision.
We’re building conversational capabilities to put people at ease before they make a holiday purchase. It’s very inclusive for people who are nervous about interacting on an app and they can get a lot of their questions answered while providing us with context, such as the kind of hotels they are looking for, the activities they’d like to do, the kind of meals they want to have and so on. Once all these considerations are sorted out via the conversation, we can suggest a few holiday packages that best suit the needs of this particular customer.
Finally, we’re experimenting with voice too, starting with booking flights and holidays in English and Hindi with other Indian languages to follow.
How will generative AI impact the role of human travel agents or customer service representatives in the booking and planning process on MakeMyTrip’s platform? How do you intend to provide a seamless experience that combines AI with human expertise?
We look at these chatbots as an intelligent aide to our human agents. The basic set of questions that an agent would typically ask will now be asked by these chatbots to qualify a lead and assess the purchase intent. For example, questions like weather in a city, a good time to visit a certain place or queries on visa requirements can be answered by the chatbot.
In some cases, it will recommend a product to the customer to purchase right then and there. And that happens on our app too, if one of our packages fit the customer’s prerequisites that’s the result that comes up. But some holiday purchases are very nuanced, and people want to customize it quite a bit. They want to talk to a human agent to clarify their doubts or seek more information before they make the final purchase. That is where the conversational bot comes in handy.
The way I see it, and the way we are building it, is that these chatbots will be very smart assistants for our holiday experts so that they will get more qualified leads that they can close better. We believe the productivity and efficiency of our human agents will get a significant boost as a result.
What measures is MakeMyTrip taking to safeguard customer data and ensure the privacy and security of information collected and utilized by generative AI algorithms?
The data collected by these chatbot interfaces stay completely within our systems, just like the data that we collect in our apps, which is strictly “need-only.” Therefore, the privacy and security guardrails that we employ in our usual apps applies here as well. The collected data is just as safe as the data that one would volunteer on our app’s shopping flows.
Why did MakeMyTrip choose Microsoft Azure as the platform for its generative AI solutions?
We looked at several options that are out there today, and we chose Azure because of the entire bouquet of services on Azure Cognitive Services – be it voice-to-text, text-to-voice or rich vernacular language capability. In order to provide a smooth, seamless experience to our customers, we elected to partner with the one that had the most comprehensive set of services to build an end-to-end capability. Azure Cognitive Services fit the bill completely.
Additionally, there are benefits to collaborating with a trusted partner like Microsoft, who add yet another layer of assurance with their “responsible AI” mindset.
What are the potential challenges or limitations of implementing generative AI in the travel industry, and how is MakeMyTrip working to overcome them?
It’s still a very nascent technology and I see three challenges at the moment.
Given the kind of industry we are in, people want to see photos of the hotels they plan to stay at or videos of the places they plan to visit. Voice or text interfaces alone will not suffice. We need a multimodal chatbot interface that I don’t think anyone in the industry has been able to figure out yet. It’s a hard problem from a user interaction perspective and we’re using the initial few launches to learn what works best for our customers, in a controlled set of experiments.
With conversational chatbots, voice support for languages needs to be refined for the colloquial usage of the language, something that a customer in a small town or village in India would speak or understand. Some experiments with colloquial and Hinglish kind of usage will also help us fine-tune the interaction.
And finally, as we do for every other feature that we launch, the performance characteristics of the feature have to be world-class before we roll this out to 100 percent of our customer base. The new feature has to work well for all our customers. This is no different from what we do with every new feature we launch – we would just be following our standard roll out process here as well.
Looking ahead, what possibilities do you see for leveraging generative AI to create innovative travel solutions?
The pace of progress in generative AI is really fast, so I’m assuming that we will not be talking in years, but quarters or months.
These are still early days, but my vision is to have voice interactions in all popular languages that people speak in India. And if it’s colloquial, it makes services accessible to more people. Anyone in India would be able to use our platform.
This also has the potential to make services accessible for people who have limitations with manual dexterity, vision, literacy etc. and will enable them to interact in the mode that works best for them.
RV Life in the Digital Age: How Every Kind of Traveler Stays Connected with TravlFi
Life on the road has never looked better—or been more connected. Whether you’re running a business from a campsite, homeschooling from a national park, or just trying to stream your favorite show from the mountains, reliable RV internet is essential. That’s where TravlFi comes in.
Designed for RVers and travelers, TravlFi makes mobile Wi-Fi simple, seamless, and stress-free. With contract-free data plans, access to multiple nationwide networks, and easy setup, TravlFi helps you stay online during your adventures.
Nationwide Coverage Without Commitment
TravlFi was built specifically for travelers who don’t want to be tied down to one carrier, one contract, or one location. Unlike traditional providers, TravlFi devices connect to multiple nationwide networks, automatically finding the strongest signal available, even in places your cell phone might struggle.
With contract-free plans and a flexible, traveler-first approach, TravlFi makes it easy to stay connected on your terms. No roaming charges, no cancellation fees—just reliable coverage when and where you need it most.
For Digital Nomads: Work from Anywhere—Literally
Being a digital nomad means your office might be a forest, a beach, or the passenger seat of your RV. TravlFi’s JourneyGo Hotspot gives remote workers the freedom to stay connected with:
- Strong, secure 4G LTE internet that covers 99% of the U.S.
- Automatic network switching for the best available signal
- Fast upload/download speeds ideal for video calls, cloud files, and remote desktop apps
With TravlFi, you can ditch spotty campground Wi-Fi and confidently hit “Join Meeting” from the edge of a canyon—or your cozy dinette.
For RVing Retirees: Stay Connected, Stay in Control
For retirees embracing the full-time RV lifestyle, staying in touch with loved ones—and managing day-to-day tasks—requires a strong digital connection. TravlFi’s JourneyXTR Router makes it easy to:
- Stream your favorite shows or catch up on news from anywhere
- Bank, budget, and manage healthcare tools securely on the road
- Video chat with grandkids without the frustrating lag
Whether you’re chasing 70-degree weather or crossing off your bucket list destinations, TravlFi lets you enjoy the journey without losing touch with the people and tools that matter most.
For Full-Time Families: Powering School, Streaming, and Sanity
Full-time families on the road juggle everything from Zoom classrooms to streaming entertainment, all while bouncing from park to park. TravlFi’s XTR Pro 5G Router keeps your RV household connected with:
- 5G Wi-Fi support for up to 128 devices
- Enough bandwidth to stream, game, upload, and homeschool simultaneously
- A mobile setup that works for the whole family with 4G/LTE backup
Forget campground internet that crashes at dinner. With high-speed internet for RV families, everyone stays happy, entertained, and on track.
For Weekend Warriors: Coverage When You Want It
You don’t need to be a full-time traveler to benefit from solid RV Wi-Fi. TravlFi is perfect for part-timers who want on demand connectivity without a long-term contract. You’ll get:
- A device that’s ready to go as soon as you power it on
- Monthly data plans that flex with your trip schedule
- Private, secure Wi-Fi wherever your weekend takes you
Just pack it, power it, and connect. No installations, no obligations—just strong internet when you need it.
FAQs
Yes, TravlFi connects to most cellular towers. As you move to different locations TravlFi will automatically switch to the best available tower in that area.
No, TravlFi provides the internet! Thanks to eSIM technology, TravlFi automatically connects the device to the strongest available signal from most cellular towers in its area.
You may pause or cancel your subscription with TravlFi at any time and you won’t pay a reactivation fee when you’re ready to turn your service back on.
TravlFi’s pay as you go data plan costs are straightforward with a one-time activation fee. Monthly payments are made every month, from the date of your initial activation. Each monthly payment covers your next month of service. You may cancel your TravlFi subscription at any time and won’t pay a reactivation fee when you’re ready to turn your service back on.
Yes, TravlFi offers Canada & Mexico Data Plans to ensure your connectivity needs are met even beyond borders.
Freedom on the Road Meets Freedom to Connect
Whether you’re boondocking in the desert, driving along the coast, or parked lakeside soaking in the sun, TravlFi is your travel-tested connection to the digital world. Say goodbye to laggy campground Wi-Fi and hello to the freedom of staying connected—on your terms.
Back in 1921, four ambitious friends—Emanuel “Manny” Rosenfeld, Maurice “Moe” Strauss, Moe Radavitz, and W. Graham “Jack” Jackson—each threw $200 into the pot and cranked open the doors of what would become an American automotive legend: the original Pep Boys store.
Since opening that first location in Philadelphia over 100 years ago, Pep Boys has served communities across the United States. Today at our 800+ locations, our mission remains the same as it was back then: to make quality car care simple, convenient, and accessible to everyone. Make an appointment at your local shop today.
Fueled by Friendship: How Three Guys Changed Car Care Forever
When Pep Boys opened its doors, the golden age of cars was getting underway… and with it, the rise of the great American adventure. The three friends saw an opportunity to help a wave of new vehicle owners care for their cars and trucks. They likely couldn’t have imagined what was to come.
What started as a single store quickly expanded when the shops added auto service bays to help a fast-growing number of car owners care for their vehicles. That was the missing piece of the puzzle, and it helped to fuel America’s love affair with the open road.
A century later, Pep Boys is still rolling strong, proving that a little ingenuity, a lot of elbow grease, and a drive to always do right by your customer can take you a long way.
The Trio That Never Took a Backseat
Many people know Pep Boys because of the iconic, hand-drawn faces that have represented the founders—and cemented their friendship forever—since 1925.
As decades rolled by, these caricatures have changed a bit…but don’t we all? Manny ditched the cigar (modern times call for modern icons), but the heart of the trio stayed the same. Manny’s bespectacled knowledge, Moe’s welcoming smile, and Jack’s friendly wink that says “we know cars” still invite vehicle owners in for expert care.
Under their watchful eyes, the Pep Boys team remains committed to keeping you moving. We’d like to think that they’d be proud to see how we continue to do right by our customers, advising them on how to get their vehicle ready for life’s adventures, where that be a quick drive to the neighborhood grocery store for essentials or an epic, coast-to-coast family roadtrip.
6 Essential Car Tips Before Hitting the Road
Speaking of trips, don’t forget to ensure your vehicle is road-ready before you set out on YOUR next adventure. Use this expert advice from Pep Boys ASE-certified technicians to keep you moving smoothly and safely—in any season of the year.
1. Prioritize Your Oil Change
Fresh oil keeps your engine running efficiently and prevents unnecessary wear—especially over long distances. If you’re due (or even close to it), schedule an oil change before your trip. It’s a quick service that delivers long-term peace of mind.
2. Check Your Tires (and Get the Right Ones)
Tires aren’t just about traction—they’re about safety and performance. At Pep Boys, you can choose from trusted tire brands like Michelin, Goodyear, and Kumho. Plus, you get expert guidance on what fits your vehicle and your budget.
Want your tires to go the distance? Don’t skip tire maintenance like rotations, balancing, and alignments—we can help with all of it.
3. Test Your Brakes Before You Cruise
Squeaks, squeals, or grinding noises are your brakes’ way of waving a red flag. Even if they sound fine, a quick inspection is smart before clocking serious miles. Our Brake Service ensures you stop just as confidently as you go.
4. Make Sure Heating & Cooling Systems Are Ready
Whether you’re battling summer heat or chilly mornings, your car HVAC system needs to perform. Weak airflow? Strange smells? Warm air when it should be cool? Bring it in for a checkup—comfort on the road is key.
5. Don’t Leave Your Battery to Chance
A dead battery is a road trip killer. If yours is over 3 years old, consider a replacement. If it’s newer, a free battery test at Pep Boys can tell you if it’s strong enough for the long haul. If not, our Battery Replacement service has you covered.
6. Pack (and Check) an Emergency Kit
Preparedness is more than peace of mind—it’s a must-have. Load up on essentials like jumper cables, a flashlight, tire repair tools, non-perishable snacks, and first-aid supplies. You may never need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have it.
Bonus Tip: Want it all checked off in one stop? Pep Boys can help with every item on this list—from tires and batteries to brakes and A/C service. Book your appointment today and hit the road with confidence.
The most unforgettable adventures don’t begin at the destination—they start in the driveway, with a vehicle that’s road-ready and raring to go. Our expert technicians are here to make sure your car is just as prepared as you are. From oil changes and tire checks to brake service and battery replacement, we’ve got everything you need to drive with confidence. So fuel up, buckle in, and let Pep Boys handle the rest.
When it’s time to decide where the road should lead, don’t forget to explore our exclusive Pep Boys-approved Roadtrips—handpicked routes designed to turn your next drive into something truly epic. Adventure is calling—and we’ll help you answer it.
Travel Apps & Platforms
China flags 68 apps for data violations, including EV, travel and gaming platforms | MLex
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