An Apple representative disclosed that “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 China marketplace. These apps can still be downloaded from all other stores where they appear.
The Meta-owned apps weren’t very popular and were already 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 the nation.
The chairman of Beijing-based investment adviser BDA China, Duncan Clark, stated that Apple’s decision to remove the apps signifies a “further distancing between already separated tech universes” within the nation and beyond.
“It will be inconvenient for Chinese consumers and businesses that do business with friends, family, or clients abroad. He stated that even if users utilize VPNs to access their current WhatsApp apps, these would eventually become outdated and need to be updated.
After a check, reports have shown that other widely used Western social media applications, such as X (previously Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, are still very accessible in Apple’s China app store.
China continues to be a significant market for Apple, being the largest market after the US, in addition to being a vital hub for production. The business keeps providing discounts around the nation to increase sales.
Olagoke Ajibola is a creative writer and content producer with an eye for details and excellence. He has a demonstrated history of telling stories for TV, Film and Online. Aside from being fascinated by the power of imagination, his other interest are travel, sport, reading and meeting people.
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