“Apple has taken down WhatsApp and Threads, two messaging apps by Meta Platforms, from its China App Store, as requested by the Chinese government’s internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), citing national security concerns.
The CAC ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront due to national security concerns. However, they’re still available for download in other places.”
WhatsApp, a popular encrypted messaging app, already had limited accessibility in China due to internet restrictions. But now, new users will find it much harder to get the app.
The exact reasons for the CAC’s concerns aren’t clear. This move comes as part of increased regulation on tech companies in China and amidst tensions between the US and China, with the US also considering restrictions on Chinese tech giants.
Although WhatsApp and Threads are gone from the official channel, existing users may still use them, but future updates could be affected. This highlights the complex relationship between tech companies and governments, especially in tightly regulated markets.”
Akash Ghosh