Major action has been taken against WhatsApp and Threads in China, as both apps have been removed from Apple’s App Store in the country. Apple confirmed that it complied with orders from Chinese authorities to remove these apps due to security concerns. The removal of these apps from the App Store in China is a significant setback for Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and Threads.
While WhatsApp and Threads have been removed, Meta’s other popular apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger are still available on the Apple App Store in China. Additionally, YouTube and X are also accessible in China despite the ban on WhatsApp and Threads.
The exact reasons why Chinese authorities consider WhatsApp and Threads as threats remain unclear. According to a Reuters report, Apple stated in its announcement that the Chinese Cyberspace Administration ordered the removal of these apps, but further details regarding the security concerns were not provided.