Following directives from the Chinese government, Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store in China, citing national security concerns. This move highlights ongoing compliance with China’s strict internet regulations and poses questions on the impact for global tech operations.
Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store in China following directives from the Chinese government which labeled these apps as national security risks. As of now, Chinese users are unable to download both apps, which are owned by Meta. The specific reasons behind the targeting of these two apps have not been disclosed. The removal is part of a wider pattern of Apple complying with Chinese regulations, including earlier instances where generative AI apps and the New York Times app were also withdrawn from the Chinese market.
This action aligns with China’s rigorous internet censorship framework known commonly as the “Great Firewall,” which blocks access to various foreign websites and services while monitoring the information flow within the country. The enforcement of these regulations has recently included a new mandate for all apps to register with the government, leading to potential further app removals.
This development comes amidst increasing scrutiny of Chinese-owned apps in the United States, notably TikTok, which is facing potential bans unless divested from its Chinese owner, ByteDance. Concurrently, Apple’s business operations in China face challenges including a reported 24% drop in iPhone sales and ongoing governmental pressure. However, Apple continues to expand its global operations, with recent activities such as opening a new store in Shanghai and exploring supply chain diversification.
In a separate but related tech industry update, TikTok has launched a new app called Notes in Australia and Canada, which allows users to share images and texts, aiming to compete directly with Meta’s Instagram. This strategic move comes as social media companies continue to vie for market dominance by capturing user engagement and expanding their content offerings.
