According to The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, Chinese Apple users will no longer be able to download or locate Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads applications from the App Store.
According to Engadget, citing multiple sources, the company was compelled to remove their apps from the App Store due to compliance with China’s internet regulatory body, the Cyberspace Administration.
Apple stated that due to China’s emphasis on national security, the corporation feels “bound by law to adhere to the legal frameworks of the nations in which it operates, even when it holds differing opinions.”
Over time, the Great Firewall of China has restricted various websites, technologies, and applications within the country. Despite this, people employ VPNs to access these restricted resources, much like in numerous other countries.
Earlier, Meta’s Facebook and Instagram faced restrictions, however, WhatsApp and Threads remained accessible for users.
Ahead of a potential US Senate vote that may lead to a ban on TikTok, the Chinese internet regulatory authority has issued an order. TikTok’s parent company is of Chinese origin.
Both China and America have banned these apps due to shared concerns, as they pose a risk to each nation’s national security.
The existing legislation grants ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, a one-year period to sell off the video-sharing app. In case of failure, TikTok will face removal from app stores.
