The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced the decision on national security grounds. Apple does not accept this condition, but is forced to comply in order not to lose access to the Chinese market.
Note that all foreign applicants who are not registered in the country may be banned in China by summer 2024. Experts believe that this situation may also affect TikTok and other popular services.
Apple’s decision caused mixed reactions. Some human rights activists condemned the company for collaborating with Chinese authorities that violated freedom of expression. Supporters of the company say that the Cupertino team is just trying to do business in difficult conditions.
The WhatsApp situation is part of a broader problem of internet censorship and control in China.
Source: Ferra
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