China has mandated that Apple restrict access to WhatsApp and Threads within the nation as part of a new effort to suppress dissent under the leadership of Xi Jinping.
The Chinese Cyberspace Administration has instructed Apple to remove these messaging apps from its local App Store, citing “national security concerns,” according to a company spokesperson.
Despite being largely blocked in China, which maintains a comprehensive internet filtering system known as the Great Firewall, these apps have been generally unavailable, preventing access to international news and free speech platforms.
Nevertheless, some tech-savvy individuals have managed to circumvent these restrictions using software to mask their locations. This recent enforcement will make it more challenging to access and update these apps, which are owned by Meta, formerly known as Facebook.
In addition to WhatsApp and Threads, Apple has been directed to also block other private messaging apps like Signal, Telegram, and Line at the behest of Chinese authorities.
This move coincides with discussions among US politicians about imposing restrictions on TikTok, which is owned by the Beijing-based company Bytedance.
Debates are underway in the US about legislation that would compel Bytedance to divest TikTok within six months or face prohibition in US smartphone app stores.
Apple has faced similar demands in China before, including the blocking of the New York Times app.
Apple stated, “We are obligated to comply with the laws of the countries in which we operate, even when we disagree. The cyberspace administration of China has ordered these apps to be removed from the China storefront due to national security concerns. These apps remain accessible on other storefronts.”
China has long enforced restrictions on US apps and websites, having blocked access to Google and Facebook since 2010.
Despite these restrictions, China continues to be a vital market for Apple, which reported approximately $20 billion in sales during the last quarter. The company also depends heavily on Chinese factories for much of its supply chain and iPhone production.
However, Apple’s market position in China is increasingly challenged by domestic competitors such as Huawei.
