Apple removes WhatsApp, Threads from App Store in China
What's the story
Apple has taken down WhatsApp and Threads, from its China-based App Store.
This move comes in response to a directive issued by China's internet regulatory body, which pointed out potential security threats associated with these services.
"We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree," Apple said in a statement.
"The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns."
Strategy implementation
China's strategy to purge unregistered apps
The removal of these apps is part of a broader strategy launched by the Chinese government in 2023.
The plan aims to eliminate unregistered or dormant applications from app stores, including iOS and Android.
This initiative is seen as an extension of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)'s efforts to tighten control over information dissemination.
The latest order is aimed at compelling foreign and domestic companies to limit access to data deemed politically sensitive by China.
Measures
Regulatory drive targets mobile app developers
In August 2023, Chinese authorities issued a directive requiring all mobile app developers to register with the government by March 2024.
This move was described as an effort to combat phone scams and financial fraud.
The MIIT announced that it would supervise these filings from April to June and penalize apps that fail to comply.
Developers were also mandated to develop and enhance systems for managing "illegal information."