Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has taken down Meta Platforms’ (NASDAQ:META) applications, WhatsApp and Threads, from its China App Store, in response to a Chinese government order.
What Happened: The Chinese government’s directive specifically targeted WhatsApp and Threads, without providing a detailed explanation of the perceived security threat, Reuters reported on Friday. Other Meta apps including Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger remain accessible in the China App Store.
Apple, in an email statement to Reuters, said, “The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns. We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree.”
At the time of publishing this article, a Meta spokesperson referred to Apple for further comments while Apple has yet to respond to the queries sent by Benzinga.
Why It Matters: This development follows ...