Apple pulls Threads, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal from App Store in China after CCP order

Apple said on Friday it had removed Meta Platforms’ Threads and WhatsApp apps from its App Store in China after being ordered to do so by the Chinese government, which claimed national security concerns.

Josh Ye and Mrinmay Dey for Reuters:
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The removal of the four apps suggests growing intolerance on the part of China’s central government towards at least some foreign online messaging services that fall outside of its control. It also signals less leeway for Apple in China.

[O]ther Meta apps including Facebook, Instagram and Messenger remained available to download, according to Reuters checks on Friday. Many other popular apps developed by Western companies including YouTube and X were also available.

It was not immediately clear how WhatsApp or Threads might have caused security concerns for Chinese authorities.

“The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns,” Apple said in an emailed statement.

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