HONG KONG (AP) — Apple said it had removed Meta’s WhatsApp messaging app and its Threads social media app from the App Store in China to comply with orders from Chinese authorities.
The apps were removed from the store on Friday after Chinese officials cited unspecified national security concerns.
Their removal comes amid elevated tensions between the U.S. and China over trade, technology and national security.
The U.S. has threatened to ban TikTok over national security concerns. But while TikTok, owned by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, is used by millions in the U.S., apps like WhatsApp and Threads are not commonly used in China.
Instead, the messaging app WeChat, owned by Chinese company Tencent, reigns supreme.
Other Meta apps, including Facebook, Instagram and Messenger remained available for download, although use of such foreign apps is blocked in China due to its “Great Firewall” network of filters that restrict use of foreign websites such as Google and Facebook.
Pennsylvania board's cancellation of gay actor's school visit ill
Police call Interpol, ask public to help identify clothes on woman found dead in Gulf Harbour
Israel launches night raid on Gaza al
‘Corrosive obsession with a person’s race’: David Seymour on Māori Wards
Nicola Peltz cements the end of 'feud' with 'beautiful' mother
Exploited migrants: New language rules may force workers still in debt to leave NZ
Lisa Rinna, 60, and Amelia Gray Hamlin, 22, share mother
OJ Simpson's alma mater, USC, stays conspicuously silent on his death despite honoring the ex
FedEx pledges $25 million over 5 years in NIL program for University of Memphis athletes
Dozens of jobs set to be axed at Commerce Commission
Apple pulls WhatsApp and Threads from App Store on Beijing's orders
Free school lunches: Studies show better attendance, improved alertness