Tuesday, 29 April 2025
26.7 C
Singapore
27 C
Thailand
18.9 C
Indonesia
27.9 C
Philippines

Apple withdraws Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads from the China app store amid stricter regulations

Apple removes Meta’s WhatsApp and Threads from its China App Store, complying with the country’s strict internet regulations.

Meta Platforms’ messaging app WhatsApp and social media service Threads have been removed from Apple’s App Store in mainland China. This action aligns with Apple’s ongoing adjustments to comply with the country’s stringent internet rules.

China tightens its grip on internet applications

In a recent search conducted by the Post, it was discovered that both WhatsApp, the globally dominant messaging platform with over 2 billion monthly users as of 2023, and Threads, which has rapidly gained popularity in China since its launch last July, have been erased from Apple’s domestic App Store. The removal was mandated by Chinese regulatory authorities due to national security concerns, Apple confirmed.

Apple expressed its commitment to adhering to local laws, stating, “We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree.” The company further noted that these applications remain accessible on other storefronts outside mainland China.

Apple navigates complex regulatory waters

This isn’t the first time Apple has had to navigate the complexities of Chinese internet regulations. In response to changing policies, Apple updated its guidelines for Chinese app developers last October to include the government’s new requirement that all domestic apps be licenced before being made available on the mainland App Store. This regulation mandates that apps use a mainland domain and be hosted locally.

Apps intended for Chinese users must also comply with stringent censorship norms and data transfer regulations. The licencing process is particularly rigorous for apps that include content related to video gaming, books, magazines, religion, and news.

Other apps face similar fates

Additionally, other messaging services like Telegram and Signal were also removed from Apple’s mainland App Store, as reported by Bloomberg. In August of the previous year, Apple had withdrawn over a hundred applications offering ChatGPT-like features, anticipating new local regulations on generative artificial intelligence.

Despite these restrictions, Meta’s Facebook and Instagram continue to be available in the mainland App Store, although they require a virtual private network (VPN) to function within China.

Hot this week

OpenAI says it would consider buying Google Chrome if offered

OpenAI told a judge it would be open to buying Google Chrome if it were sold as part of the US antitrust case against Google.

xAI’s Grok chatbot now lets you ask questions about what you see

Grok’s new Vision tool lets iPhone users ask questions about what they see. Updates also add real-time voice search and memory features.

Google to end support for early Nest thermostats on October 25

Google will stop supporting first—and second-generation Nest thermostats on October 25 and end new Nest launches in Europe.

Bluesky outage raises questions about decentralisation in practice

Bluesky, a decentralised social platform, went offline briefly, raising fresh questions about how decentralisation works.

XPENG unveils AI-powered innovations and supercharged EVs at Auto Shanghai 2025

XPENG launches AI brain, 10-minute charging EV, and IRON humanoid robot at Auto Shanghai 2025, setting new mobility benchmarks.

Razer Launches Pro Click V2 and V2 Vertical Mice: Blending Gaming and Productivity

Razer's new Pro Click V2 and V2 Vertical mice offer gaming precision and ergonomic comfort, with AI prompt access and long battery life, available now!

Nintendo Pop-Up Store and Mario Kart Fun Return to Jewel Changi Airport

Experience the magic of Nintendo at Jewel Changi Airport with the return of the Pop-Up Store and the exciting Mario Kart Jewel Circuit Challenge!

Lian Li’s new Lancool 207 Digital case brings a 6-inch LCD screen to your PC

Lian Li's Lancool 207 Digital PC case brings a bright 6-inch LCD screen to your setup, offering style, function, and full customisation.

Google to end support for early Nest thermostats on October 25

Google will stop supporting first—and second-generation Nest thermostats on October 25 and end new Nest launches in Europe.

Related Articles

Popular Categories