Apple Removes WhatsApp and Threads from Chinese App Store: A Look at the Strict Internet Monitoring Policies in China

In China, Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its application store following the request of authorities. The country has strict rules when it comes to monitoring the internet and media, censoring content that criticizes state policy or could lead to discontent. Users in China face restrictions on accessing foreign websites, applications, and social networks without tools like VPNs.

Apple complied with the laws of the countries where they operate even though they do not necessarily agree with them. WhatsApp and Threads are both owned by Meta. While Apple, the CAC, and the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Technology have not responded to requests for comment, apps like Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Threads were not available in the Chinese version of the App Store on Friday. However, these apps remain downloadable from App Stores outside of mainland China.

Despite WhatsApp’s absence in China, it has been largely replaced by WeChat which offers messaging services and other features like online payments. Threads faces competition from Weibo which has been around since 2009 for posting content.

In addition to removing WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store in China, Apple has also provided content covering various topics such as robotics, virtuality, financial responsibility, online gambling, various types of firearms for sale and more after initial article publication.