According to reports from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its China App Store, citing directives from the Cyberspace Administration of China, the country’s internet regulatory body, due to “national security concerns.” Apple emphasized its commitment to adhering to local laws, even when in disagreement with them.
China’s strict internet regulations, enforced by the Great Firewall, have led to the blocking of numerous foreign apps and technologies. While apps like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram are already inaccessible without a VPN, WhatsApp and Threads were available until this recent directive. Interestingly, this move by the Chinese regulator coincides with ongoing discussions in the US Senate regarding a bill that could potentially result in a ban on TikTok.
The rationale provided by the Cyberspace Administration mirrors concerns raised by American lawmakers regarding the national security implications of TikTok. The current version of the bill proposes a one-year window for ByteDance to divest TikTok, failing which the platform could face removal from app stores. The bill is expected to pass in the House as part of a larger legislative package that includes aid for Ukraine and Israel. President Joe Biden has already expressed his support for the package and is prepared to sign the bills into law promptly.
