Apple complies with Chinese authorities’ request to remove WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China

Apple complied with a request from Chinese authorities to remove WhatsApp and Threads from its application store in China, according to a report from Bloomberg. China has strict rules regarding internet and media content, with censors regularly removing content that criticizes state policy or could incite discontent. Chinese users often rely on virtual private networks (VPNs) to access foreign websites and applications that are otherwise blocked in the country.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) cited national security reasons for ordering the removal of WhatsApp and Threads, both of which are owned by the American group Meta. While Apple stated that they must comply with the laws of the countries in which they operate, they did not provide further comment on the situation. WhatsApp and Threads were no longer available in the Chinese version of the App Store, alongside other messaging applications like Signal and Telegram.

WeChat, a popular messaging and payment app in China, has largely replaced WhatsApp in the country. Additionally, Chinese users have access to alternative platforms like Weibo, which offer similar features to Threads. Despite the popularity of Apple products in China, the company has typically avoided taking positions on sensitive issues or offending Chinese authorities.

In addition to the removal of messaging apps, this content also includes information on various products and topics unrelated to the initial news about Apple removing WhatsApp and Threads from the Chinese App Store.