Apple Just Got Bullied By China In A Big Way

China has forced Apple to remove WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China.

Due to security concerns, the Cyberspace Administration of China demanded Apple remove Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store.

A spokesperson for Apple stated, “We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree.”

Both apps were already blocked in China and could only be accessed through VPNs.

Apple removed WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China saying it was ordered to by the government https://t.co/nFz1yQw69C https://t.co/nFz1yQw69C

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) April 19, 2024

Here’s what CNN reported:

Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China, following an order from the country’s internet watchdog which cited national security concerns.

“We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree,” an Apple spokesperson told CNN on Friday. “The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns. These apps remain available for download on all other storefronts where they appear.”

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The apps, both owned by Meta (META), were already blocked in China and not widely used. They could be accessed in the country only by using virtual private networks (VPNs) that can encrypt internet traffic and disguise the user’s online identity.

The removal of the apps by Apple (AAPL) represents a “further distancing between already separated tech universes” in the country and beyond, said Duncan Clark, chairman of Beijing-based investment advisory BDA China.

Apple removes WhatsApp, Threads from China app store on government order https://t.co/UZA4WoOm9C pic.twitter.com/OrKO8j2Qu8

— Reuters (@Reuters) April 19, 2024

Breaking News: Apple said it pulled the Meta-owned apps WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China on Beijing’s orders. https://t.co/DGXX0W2a3A

— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 19, 2024

Per CNBC:

Apple on Friday said it pulled several messaging apps like Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads from the App Store in China after the nation’s government ordered the removal, citing security concerns.

The move further escalates tensions between the U.S. and China over technology and other policies. In recent days, Congress has been looking to fast-track legislation to push TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance to divest the social media app. The House could vote on a new bill as soon as Saturday, and U.S. President Joe Biden has said he will sign it into law if it reaches his desk.

“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.”

Other messaging platforms like Signal and Telegram were also removed from China’s App Store.

Apple has complied with a Chinese government order to remove WhatsApp and Threads from its local apps store, WSJ reports https://t.co/17JEqvt3GC

— Bloomberg (@business) April 19, 2024