The Communist Party does not like messengers: Apple removes WhatsApp and Telegram from Chinese App Store

Apple announced on Friday that it has removed WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Threads from its App Store in China at the request of the Chinese government, which cited national security threats.

Here's What We Know

The removal of the four apps reflects a growing intolerance on the part of the Chinese central government towards at least some foreign messaging apps that are outside its control. It also shows that Apple has less and less leeway in China.

Some experts in China's tech industry have speculated that the Chinese government's decision on WhatsApp and Threads may be related to new regulations that require all apps available in China to register with the government. These rules came into force on 1 April last year.

However, it should be noted that none of these four apps are popular in China. Tencent with its WeChat has been the leader for many years.

Earlier, in 2017, Apple already removed an app at the request of the Chinese government: an app from The New York Times, because it allegedly violated local laws.

Source: Reuters