American multinational corporation and technology company, Apple, has announced that it has been directed to remove WhatsApp and Threads from the China App Store.
According to Wall Street Journal and New York Times reports, Apple revealed that it removed the apps from the store so as to abide with directives from China’s Cyberspace Administration.
Apple revealed that the Chinese internet regulator ordered the removal of the apps “based on [its] national security concerns.” It told the publications that it’s “obligated to follow the laws in the countries where [it operates], even when [it disagrees].”
The withdrawal of the apps implies an increasing intolerance against some international online messaging services that are not under the control of China on the part of China’s central government. Also, less wiggle room for Apple in China is indicated.
The directive by Chinese regulator was issued just before the American Senate is scheduled to vote on al bill that would result in the US banning TikTok.
While justifying the development, the Cyberspace Administration’s justification cited the applications as a national security risk, is similar to the one launched by United States politicians to ban TikTok within their borders.
