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.
Police in Paris detain a man wearing fake explosives vest at Iran's Consulate
EMMA COWING: A precious glimpse into the Queen's happy home
Queen Letizia channels Spring with a colourful floral dress for an event in Cordoba
Amazon ordered to pay $525million to tiny Chicago
Italian court drops charges against migrant rescue ship crews and ends long
Harry Styles and Niall Horan soak up the action at The Masters with the Love on Tour star watching 6
Prince Harry WILL attend King Charles' Coronation but not Meghan Markle
2 suspects detained in Poland for attack on a Navalny ally in Lithuania
'Not our stance': Expert advice on mine application riles councillors
Hackers claim Belarus fertilizer plant infiltrated to demand political prisoner release
More than 30m Americans could face drinking water crisis as officials find major flaws in US dam