Apple removes Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads from App Store in China.
Recent reports from reputable sources such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times have revealed that Apple users in China will no longer have access to Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads on the App Store.
This action was reportedly taken in compliance with directives from China’s internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration.
Compliance with National Security Concerns:
Apple confirmed that the removal of these popular communication apps is based on national security concerns raised by Chinese authorities.
The company emphasized its obligation to adhere to local laws in the countries where it operates, even if it may not necessarily agree with those laws.
Impact of China’s Internet Restrictions:
China has a history of stringent internet controls enforced through its Great Firewall, which blocks numerous websites, technologies, and applications within the country.
Despite these restrictions, individuals often use virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass these barriers, a practice also common in other nations.
Previous Bans and Expanded Control:
Notably, Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms had previously been blocked in China.
As Apple removes Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads from App Store in China, it marks an expansion of control by the Chinese internet regulator over foreign apps.
Parallel Developments in the US:
Coinciding with these actions in China, the United States is also considering legislative measures that could lead to the banning of TikTok, a popular video-sharing platform owned by a Chinese parent company.
Both countries have cited similar concerns related to national security in justifying these app bans.
Pending Legislation in the US:
In the US, proposed legislation would require TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest the platform within a year.
Failure to comply could result in TikTok’s removal from app stores.
Also read: Why China’s debt trap diplomacy is a lie?
