Apple announced on Friday that it removed WhatsApp, Threads, Signal, and Telegram from the App Store in China. The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered this action due to national security concerns, as stated by Apple.
“We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree,” Apple reiterated in a statement.
The decision adds strain to U.S.-China relations, coinciding with Congress’s efforts to prompt ByteDance, TikTok‘s Chinese parent company, to divest the social media app. President Biden has indicated support for such legislation.
“We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree,” Apple emphasized, reflecting its stance on compliance with local regulations.
Signal and Telegram were also removed from the Chinese App Store. The tension has led Apple to explore manufacturing diversification beyond China, expanding operations in India and Vietnam.
While China has a history of internet censorship, some U.S. platforms like WhatsApp and Threads were permitted on Apple’s App Store. However, their removal limits communication avenues for Chinese users.
This move intensifies the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and China over access to crucial technologies, already marked by tariffs and export controls.
The broader context includes China’s tightening control over internet access since 2000, resulting in the withdrawal of many American tech and media companies.
As Apple removed Signal and Telegram, the U.S. Congress nears a vote on legislation affecting Chinese-owned Bytedance and TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Apple’s stake in China is significant, given the country’s role as the main iPhone manufacturing hub. Sales in China reached $68 billion in 2023, with CEO Tim Cook visiting in March to bolster relations.
WhatsApp had amassed 15 million downloads in China’s App Store, while Threads had 470,000, according to Appfigures reported by The New York Times. Residents of China now face reduced options for accessing foreign messaging apps via VPNs.
