In compliance with directives from China’s top internet regulator, Apple has taken down WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store within the country.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) cited national security concerns as the reason behind the removal.
While the apps remain accessible in other regions, China’s stringent internet censorship often limits access to foreign platforms without the use of VPNs.
Despite challenges, China remains a vital market for Apple.
This move follows China’s previous claims of cracking Apple’s encrypted AirDrop communication service, utilized during the 2019 Hong Kong protests. Notably, Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp have long been inaccessible in mainland China.
Previously, users could bypass restrictions by downloading banned apps through Apple’s store and using VPNs. However, the removal of WhatsApp and Threads complicates access for new iPhone users in China.
In a separate development, the US House of Representatives is set to vote on severing ties between TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. This decision comes amidst concerns raised by US officials regarding national security and privacy threats posed by TikTok.
These actions reflect the ongoing tension between the US and China over tech regulation, with Beijing interpreting such measures as attempts to curb its economic ascent.
