Apple Inc. recently announced the removal of Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp and Threads from its China app store in response to an order from the country’s internet regulator. The regulators cited the services as posing risks to China’s national security. This move follows a broader cleanup program initiated by Chinese regulators in 2023, targeting defunct or unregistered apps from domestic iOS and Android stores.
The action against these American tech services coincides with the U.S. government’s steps toward a potential ban on TikTok, the widely popular video app from Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd. U.S. politicians have raised national security concerns, pressuring the company to either sell TikTok to a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the U.S. market.
In a statement, Apple noted, “We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree. The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns.”
It’s important to note that foreign social media platforms like WhatsApp were already largely inaccessible from China without tools to circumvent Beijing’s Great Firewall, such as virtual private networks. The removal of these apps will undoubtedly make it more challenging for users within the country to access content on these international platforms.
In addition to the removal of WhatsApp and Threads, China previously required all mobile app developers to register with the government by the end of March, framing this as a measure to combat telephone scams and fraud. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said that it would oversee these filings from April to June and take action against apps that were not registered. Developers would also be required to establish and improve mechanisms to handle “illegal information.”
Furthermore, China’s move to tighten controls across its cyberspace extends beyond apps, encompassing websites and large language AI models, subjecting them to greater content regulations. This action by China comes amid expectations that TikTok divestiture legislation will be included in an aid package for Ukraine and Israel, which Congress is set to vote on soon.
The Wall Street Journal initially reported the removal, and a Meta spokesperson referred Bloomberg News to Apple’s statement.
As China represents a crucial market for Apple, being its largest consumer market outside the U.S. and its primary production base, abiding by local laws becomes essential. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook emphasized the importance of China to Apple’s business during his recent visit to the country. Apple has consistently underscored the need to comply with local laws to effectively operate its app store across various countries.
The Business Press 