Apple has withdrawn WhatsApp, Threads, Telegram and Signal from the Chinese App Store

On orders from the Chinese government, Apple removed WhatsApp and Threads from the App Store in China because they pose a threat to national security. In addition, Telegram and Signal were removed.

Tech Apr 23, 2024 0 144 Add to Reading List

Apple has withdrawn WhatsApp, Threads, Telegram and Signal from the Chinese App Store

Apple has decided to remove 4 applications - WhatsApp, Threads, Telegram and Signal - from the App Store in China. This action was taken in response to an order from the Chinese government, which indicated that the services pose a threat to national security.

The demand confirms the Chinese central government's growing frustration with foreign messengers that are beyond its control. And the situation indicates the limited possibilities of Apple’s actions in the country.

However, according to information from Reuters, other Meta* services are still available for download. In addition, users can download other Western applications, including YouTube and Twitter (X).

All remote messaging apps are not common in China because Tencent's WeChat is the leader there. Experts believe that the recall from the App Store is related to new rules regarding applications available in China. If a service is not registered with the government, it is blocked.

This is not the first time Apple has revoked access to the App Store in China. For example, the New York Times app was removed in 2017 for violating media guidelines, and a number of programs based on ChatGPT technology were removed in 2023. The reason for the withdrawal of these applications was the rules governing work with generative AI.