ALBAWABA - Apple has taken Meta's social media and messaging apps, Threads and WhatsApp, out of China's local app store in accordance with government laws governing the internet.
Apple removed the two programmes in response to orders from Chinese officials citing "national security" concerns, as The Wall Street Journal reported.
Apple representatives stressed the importance of abiding by local laws even in the event of conflicts.
Previous reports also said that Signal and Telegram, two more social messaging applications, had been taken down from Apple's China store.
Although some apps are restricted from use in mainland China, individuals can still get extraordinary access by using VPN services.
The most recent internet law requires all mobile applications to run from servers with domains registered in China and to get local licences.
Businesses that provide app services in China must obtain a "Internet Information Provider" licence and abide by national standards, data transfer laws, and censorship guidelines.
