By NewsBlogger Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its Chinese App Store due to national security concerns following orders from the Chinese government amidst increasing tensions between the US and China over trade and technology issues.
At a glance
- Apple removed WhatsApp and Threads from the Chinese App Store due to government orders for “national security” reasons.
- China’s Cyberspace Administration regulates internet content and enforces restrictions through the Great Firewall.
- Individuals in China often use VPNs to bypass restrictions on foreign apps and websites.
- Apple users in China can still access WhatsApp and Threads with iCloud accounts set up outside China.
- Tensions between the US and China are heightened over trade, technology, and national security issues.
The details
Apple has recently removed WhatsApp and Threads from its Chinese App Store following orders from the Chinese government, citing “national security” reasons.
The Cyberspace Administration of China, which regulates and censors the country’s internet and online content, was behind the directive.
China’s Great Firewall, which blocks numerous foreign apps and websites, including WhatsApp, plays a key role in restricting access.
Despite these restrictions, individuals in China often use VPNs to bypass the blocks.
Apple users in China can still access WhatsApp and Threads if they have iCloud accounts set up outside China.
China’s Communist Party has been tightening its control over internet usage in the country, implementing comprehensive censorship of sensitive topics on social media and monitoring communication.
The government has also proposed policies to reduce the time children spend online.
The exact reasons for the national security concerns behind the removal of WhatsApp and Threads are unclear.
This move coincides with a US legislative vote on a bill related to TikTok. American lawmakers are expressing concerns about China’s influence and data retention.
The Wall Street Journal initially reported the order to remove the apps, and The Guardian has inquired to Apple for further comment.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, did not immediately respond to the removal.
Tensions between the US and China are heightened over trade, technology, and national security issues, with the US threatening to ban TikTok.
While WhatsApp and Threads are not widely used in China, where WeChat dominates, other Meta apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger remain available for download.
Apple emphasized its compliance with local laws in the countries it operates in.
The tech giant, which recently lost its top smartphone maker position to Samsung Electronics, has faced challenges in the Chinese market, with declining sales.
Apple has been diversifying its manufacturing bases outside China in response to the removal of Apple devices from government agencies and state-owned companies.
CEO Tim Cook’s visits to Southeast Asia, including stops in Hanoi, Jakarta, and Singapore, aimed to strengthen Apple’s business commitments in the region.
Cook’s discussions with Singaporean and Vietnamese leaders highlighted Apple’s investment plans in Singapore and manufacturing opportunities in Indonesia.
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| theguardian.com |
|---|
| – Apple removed WhatsApp and Threads from its Chinese App Store after being ordered to do so by the Chinese government for “national security” reasons – The Cyberspace Administration of China regulates and censors China’s internet and online content – China’s Great Firewall blocks numerous foreign apps and websites, including WhatsApp – Individuals in China can often bypass the blocks using VPNs – Apple users in China can still download WhatsApp and Threads if they have iCloud accounts set outside China – China’s Communist party tightens control over internet usage in the country – China has comprehensive censorship of sensitive topics on social media and monitors communication – China has proposed policies to reduce the amount of time children spend online – The reason for the administration’s national security concerns was not clear – The removal of WhatsApp and Threads comes before a US legislative vote on a bill regarding TikTok – Lawmakers in the US have cited national security concerns about China’s influence on the American public and the retention of US user data – The Chinese order to remove the apps was first reported by the Wall Street Journal – The Guardian has contacted Apple for further comment – Meta referred queries to Apple |
| independent.co.uk |
|---|
| – Apple removed Meta’s WhatsApp messaging app and Threads social media app from the App Store in China – The removal was to comply with orders from Chinese authorities citing national security concerns – Tensions between the U.S. and China are elevated over trade, technology, and national security – The U.S. has threatened to ban TikTok over national security concerns – Apps like WhatsApp and Threads are not commonly used in China, where WeChat reigns supreme – Other Meta apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger remained available for download – Use of foreign apps is blocked in China due to the “Great Firewall” network of filters – Apple stated that they are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where they operate – Meta did not immediately comment on the removal of their apps – Apple recently lost the top smartphone maker spot to Samsung Electronics – Apple has faced challenges in China with sales slumping – Chinese government agencies and state-owned companies were ordered not to bring Apple devices to work – Apple has been diversifying its manufacturing bases outside China – Apple’s CEO Tim Cook visited Southeast Asia, including Hanoi, Jakarta, and Singapore – Cook met with Singapore’s deputy prime minister to discuss Apple’s commitment to doing business in Singapore – Apple pledged to invest over $250 million to expand its campus in Singapore – Cook also met with Vietnamese Prime Minister and Indonesian President to discuss manufacturing opportunities |
