Apple Withdraws WhatsApp and Threads in China on Government Demand

Apple Inc. has taken down WhatsApp and Threads, both owned by Meta Platforms Inc., from its App Store in China following directives from the Cyberspace Administration of China that cite national security concerns. The removal of these apps aligns with China's broader internet censorship efforts and adds to a growing list of Western platforms such as Gmail, YouTube, Snap, and Spotify that have faced restrictions within the country.

The Chinese government has maintained a ban on WhatsApp since 2017, and Meta's other platforms have been inaccessible since 2009. While other Meta apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger remain available for download, the latest removals further limit access to international social media platforms for users in China, who often rely on virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass internet restrictions.

This action comes amidst heightened tensions over digital security measures globally, with the United States considering a ban on the Chinese-owned app TikTok over concerns related to data harvesting and political influence. China's regulators initiated a program in 2023 aimed at purging many inactive or unregistered apps from domestic iOS and Android stores, reflecting the government's continued effort to exert control over the digital environment within its borders. Apple's compliance with the Chinese order underscores the complex balance international companies maintain while operating under different national regulations.