Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its Chinese app store after receiving requests from the Chinese government to do so.
Apple confirmed to have removed two apps, both owned by Meta, after receiving a request from the Cyberspace Administration of China that looks over internet and social media content.
China Cited Security Concerns
The tech giant told Reuters in an email that they have taken down the apps as it follows the laws of the country where it operates.
“We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree,” Apple told Reuters.
Security Concerns Not Told
Apple didn’t cite the specific national security concerns the Chinese government had related to the two apps.
The removal of Meta’s owned apps comes as US lawmakers vote with regards to the ownership of Chinese owned video streaming app, TikTok.
The lawmakers have cited similar concerns like that of China, that TikTok poses a national security threat to the US.
