China’s internet regulator opens inquiry into Didi ride-hailing service

Tech firm, which just launched its IPO in New York, is latest online giant to be targeted by Chinese authorities

China's internet regulator has launched an investigation into one of the country's biggest ride-hailing services, Didi, two days after the company's massive initial public offering (IPO) in New York.

Some observers believe the move against Didi is part of a continuing crackdown by the Chinese authorities on what was once a loosely regulated technology sector. It follows government actions in recent months aimed at the online marketplace Alibaba, and social networks Tencent and Bytedance, the parent company of TikTok.