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.
An appeals court dismisses charges against a Michigan election worker who downloaded a voter list
Climate change will cost about $38 trillion a year by 2049, a new study calculates
Myanmar junta releases thousands of prisoners in New Year amnesty — Radio Free Asia
Disneyland performers file petition to form labor union
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton can be disciplined for suit to overturn 2020 election, court says
Plane passenger lifts the lid on WILD conspiracy theories surrounding Denver airport
Man charged in transport of Masters golf tournament memorabilia taken from Augusta National
Convicted scammer who victims say claimed to be a psychic, Irish heiress faces extradition to UK
Karlie Kloss exudes confidence in a bold red midaxi dress as she attends star
Sweeping gun legislation awaits final votes as Maine lawmakers near adjournment
Tennis umpire banned for life for manipulating scores and gambling
Alaska Airlines has brief ground stop due to technical issue