Agencies
Tech giant Apple has pulled Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp and Threads applications from its App Store in China on orders from the country’s internet regulator, according to multiple U.S. media reports and company on Friday.
“We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree,” Apple said in a statement, according to Bloomberg.”
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns,” it added, referring to China’s internet regulator.
“These apps remain available for download on all other storefronts where they appear.”
Other Meta apps including Facebook, Instagram and Messenger remained available, according to Reuters checks on Friday morning.
Many other popular apps developed by Western companies including YouTube and X were also available for download.
