Apple removes Threads and WhatsApp from the China App Store
Apple said on Friday that it has removed a number of messaging applications, including Threads and Meta’s WhatsApp, from the Chinese App Store at the request of the Chinese government, which cited security concerns.
Tensions over technology and other issues between the United States and China are further heightened by this action. Congress has been attempting to expedite legislation in order to pressure ByteDance, the Chinese parent firm of TikTok, to sell the social media app in recent days. A new measure may be put to a vote in the House as soon as this Saturday, and American President Joe Biden has stated that he will sign it into law should it make it to his desk.
Other chat apps like Telegram and Signal were also taken down from the Chinese App Store.
“We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree,” Apple said in a statement. “The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns.”
Although Apple’s App Store has always allowed access to select platforms like WhatsApp and Threads, China has a long history of limiting access to internet material from the United States. Although WeChat and other sites are more popular among Chinese users, the removal of these ones limits their communication options with foreigners.
