Xi Jinping’s diktat comes as US politicians consider their own crackdown on TikTok – REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo
China has ordered Apple to block WhatsApp and Threads in the country amid a fresh crackdown on dissent by leader Xi Jinping.
Officials from China’s Cyberspace Administration told Apple to remove the messaging services from its domestic App Store based on “national security concerns,” a spokesman for the company said.
The apps were already largely inaccessible from within China, which operates a so-called Great Firewall to lock out thousands of websites and services offering global news and the opportunity to exercise free speech.
However, tech-savvy consumers have been able to bypass these blocks with software that hides their location. The new crackdown will add further friction to accessing the apps, developed by Facebook owner Meta, in the first place, and make it difficult to update them.
Apple was also ordered to block private messaging apps Signal, Telegram and Line as part of China’s demands.
The diktat comes as US politicians consider their own crackdown on TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-headquartered Bytedance.
US politicians are debating a law that would force Bytedance to sell the app within six months, or see it blocked from US smartphone app stores.
Apple has previously been forced to ban other apps in China, including a block on the New York Times.
Apple said: “We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree.
“The cyberspace administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns. These apps remain available to download on other storefronts where they appear.”
China has enforced wide-ranging on US apps and websites for years, blocking Google and Facebook since 2010.
Despite the censorship, China remains a crucial market for Apple accounting for roughly $20bn (£16.1bn) in sales during its last quarterly results. Apple also relies on factories in mainland China for large parts of its supply chain and for its iPhone assembly.
However, the company’s iPhones are increasingly being challenged by a resurgence of domestic rivals such as Huawei.
Play The Telegraph’s brilliant range of Puzzles – and feel brighter every day. Train your brain and boost your mood with PlusWord, the Mini Crossword, the fearsome Killer Sudoku and even the classic Cryptic Crossword.
News Related-
Pedestrian in his 70s dies after being struck by a lorry in Co Laois
-
Vermont shooting updates: Burlington police reveal suspect’s eerie reaction to arrest
-
Grace Dent says her ‘heart is broken’ as she exits I’m A Celebrity early
-
Stromer’s ST3 Urban E-Bike Goes Fancy With Minimalist Design, Modern Tech
-
Under-pressure Justice Minister announces review of the use of force for gardaí
-
My appearance has changed because of ageing, says Jennifer Lawrence
-
Man allegedly stabbed in the head during row in Co Wexford direct provision centre
-
Children escape without injury after petrol bomb allegedly thrown at house in Cork City
-
Wexford gardai investigating assault as man is bitten in the face during Main Street altercation
-
Child minder’s husband handed eight year sentence for abusing two children
-
The full list of the best London restaurants, cafes and takeaways revealed at the Good Food Awards
-
Mazda CEO Says EVs 'Not Taking Off' In The U.S.—Except Teslas
-
Leitrim locals set up checkpoint to deter asylum seekers
-
Ask A Doctor: Can You Get Shingles More Than Once?