Apple has eliminated WhatsApp and Threads from its app store after receiving a directive from China's internet censor, citing national security concerns.
An Apple spokesperson told CNN on Friday, "We are required to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree." Because of their potential threats to national security, the Chinese Cyberspace Administration issued an order to remove these apps from the Chinese marketplace. These applications may still be downloaded from all other stores where they are shown.
Both of the Meta (META)-owned applications were not extensively utilized and were previously restricted in China. Only virtual private networks (VPNs), which can encrypt internet traffic and mask a user's online identity, can be used to access them within a country.
As per Duncan Clark, head of Beijing-based investment consultant BDA China, Apple's (AAPL) decision to remove the applications signifies a “further distancing between already separated tech universes” within the nation and internationally.
"It will be inconvenient for Chinese consumers and enterprises that do business with friends, relatives, or clients abroad." He stated that even if users utilize VPNs to access their current WhatsApp applications, they will eventually become outdated and need to be updated.
CNN checked and found that other widely used Western social media applications, such as X (previously Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, are still accessible in Apple's China app store.
This article was originally published on CNN.