Apple recently removed WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China after being instructed to do so by the Chinese government. The Wall Street Journal reported that China’s top internet regulator raised national security concerns, leading to the removal of the two popular apps. An Apple spokesperson mentioned that the company is required to comply with local laws even if they may not align with their own views.
The Chinese government has a history of blocking various Western social media platforms, such as Meta (formerly Facebook), Gmail, YouTube, Snapchat, and Spotify. This move against WhatsApp and Threads is another example of China’s strict regulations on foreign digital services. Users often try to bypass restrictions by using virtual private networks, but removal from the app store could hinder these efforts.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Meta redirected inquiries back to Apple for a statement. WhatsApp has billions of users worldwide, while Instagram Threads, a newer platform, boasts millions of global users. China represents a significant market for Apple, with CEO Tim Cook regularly engaging with policymakers to strengthen business ties.
This recent action against Apple comes at a time when US policymakers are considering a ban on TikTok due to concerns over data privacy and political influences. If implemented, the ban would prevent Apple and Google from distributing TikTok in their app stores and restrict US websites from hosting the app. As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate in the tech industry, companies like Apple are caught in the middle of conflicting regulations and policies.