China forces Apple to block, remove Meta’s WhatsApp & Threads from Chinese App Store – Firstpost | Laptop News

China’s internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China, ordered Apple to remove Meta’s apps from its online store in the country due to alleged national security concerns.

It seems China is not happy with Mark Zuckerberg-led Meta and Apple. Perhaps that is why, Beijing has forced Apple to remove Meta’s WhatsApp, Insta & threads from Chinese App Stores.

Earlier on Friday, Apple revealed that it was forced to comply with orders from China’s internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China, to remove Meta’s apps from its online store in the country due to alleged national security concerns.

In response to the removal, Apple stated that it is obligated to adhere to local laws in the countries where it operates, even if it disagrees with them. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and Threads, has not yet provided a statement on the matter.

WhatsApp boasts over 2 billion monthly active users globally, while Threads, a platform similar to Twitter, is an offshoot of Instagram and was among the top four most downloaded services in App Stores worldwide in December.

When exactly did Apple remove WhatsApp and Threads from the App Store in China remains unclear, but as of Friday, it was no longer available, reports claim on Chinese social media. However, other Meta communication platforms such as Messenger, Facebook, and Instagram were still accessible.

This move closes a loophole that previously allowed Chinese users to access certain Western social media platforms through domestic app stores.

Although users can still download the apps from other countries’ App Stores and use them via virtual private networks, the delisting signifies a stricter enforcement of regulations by Apple. Moreover, anyone who is found to be using a VPN to access banned…

read more www.firstpost.com

FTC: We use income earning affiliate links. More on Sposored links.
Terms of use and third-party services. More here.

Advertisement Amazon

Related Posts

Apple takes over image editing app Pixelmator | Laptop News

Microsoft confirms issues in Windows 10 KB5045594, KB5044273 (mandatory update) | Laptop News

This app helped me discover hidden gems and explore the great outdoors | Laptop News

Windows 11 reaches 35% market share, and 52% of gamers adore the new OS | Laptop News

Why are open source apps usually ugly? | Laptop News

We tried Windows 11 LTSC. It comes with your classic apps, no AI or modern UI | Laptop News

New safety feature for Epic Pass App | Laptop News

Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs are 5x faster than popular 5 year old PCs | Laptop News

Here’s Why UpNote Is the Best | Laptop News

Microsoft is building a new Outlook People app for Windows 11 (Microsoft 365 Companion?) | Laptop News

Ditch Windows 10 for Windows 11 for better speed, efficiency, and AI | Laptop News

Apple set to acquire image editing apps Pixelmator and Photomator | Laptop News

Windows 11 24H2 issue causes File Explorer menu to appear outside the screen | Laptop News

Promptfoo: An AI Tool For Testing, Evaluating and Red-Teaming LLM apps | Laptop News

After ChatGPT, Claude AI’s Windows 11 app is another Chrome-based Electron wrapper | Laptop News

Tips, apps to help you save on early Black Friday sales | Laptop News

Windows 11 KB5045889 tests modern UI for security, hides taskbar bell icon | Laptop News

6 apps that permanently live within my iPhone’s Control Center | Laptop News

How to create Private Space for your apps on Pixel | Laptop News

Samsung Electronics Showcases Massive Outdoor LED Signage at Shinsegae Department Store, Ushering in a New Seoul Landmark – Samsung Global Newsroom | Laptop News