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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Helen Davidson in Taipei

Apple removes WhatsApp and Threads from Chinese App Store

Apple WhatsApp Meta China National Security Facebook the Cyberspace Administration of China
Social media app icons on a phone screen
WhatsApp and Threads are owned by Meta, also the owner of Facebook. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Apple has removed WhatsApp and Threads from its Chinese App Store after the Chinese government ordered it to do so for “national security” reasons.

Apple confirmed it had withdrawn the two apps – both owned by Meta, also the owner of Facebook – under instruction from the Cyberspace Administration of China, which regulates and censors China’s highly restricted internet and online content.

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