Apple Removes WhatsApp and Threads from App Store in China on Government Orders
Apple’s decision to pull the Meta-owned apps WhatsApp and Threads from its app store in China on Friday has sparked a new chapter in the ongoing technology war between the United States and China. The move came after the Chinese government’s internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration, ordered the removal of the apps due to national security concerns.
According to Apple, they complied with the order because they are obligated to follow the laws of the countries where they operate, even if they disagree with them. The removal of WhatsApp and Threads, along with several other global messaging apps, including Signal and Telegram, has escalated tensions between the tech giants and the Chinese government.
The Chinese government reportedly found content on WhatsApp and Threads about China’s president, Xi Jinping, that was inflammatory and violated cybersecurity laws. However, an Apple spokesman denied that the removal was due to the content about Mr. Xi.
This latest development comes amid a broader conflict between the US and China over technology. In the US, lawmakers are preparing to vote on a bill that would force ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok, to sell the popular video app or face a ban in the country. The White House has also been working to restrict Beijing’s access to advanced technologies and extend restrictions on American dollars used to finance such technologies in China.
Apple, which relies heavily on China for manufacturing and sales, has faced pressure to comply with Beijing’s demands, including blocking apps and building a data center in the country. The company has been diversifying its supply chain and manufacturing in other countries to reduce its dependence on China.
For Meta, the fallout from the app removals in China may be less direct, as many of its apps were already banned in the country. However, the company generates revenue from Chinese companies that advertise on its platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
The relationship between Meta and Apple has also been strained, with Apple introducing restrictions on tracking that have impacted Meta’s digital advertising business. The moves against TikTok in the US have gained momentum, with lawmakers expected to vote on legislation that could force ByteDance to sell the app.
Overall, the removal of WhatsApp and Threads from the Apple App Store in China highlights the complex and evolving dynamics between technology companies, governments, and national security concerns in an increasingly interconnected world.