Apple Removes WhatsApp And Threads From App Store In China

Threads and WhatsApp are not available on the Chinese App Store (photo: dock. unsplash)

JAKARTA Surprisingly, the WhatsApp and Thread apps disappeared from the App Store, an Apple-made app store. Apparently, these two apps were deliberately revoked by Apple to prevent new installations. Quoting from the Wall Street Journal report, the two platforms were removed at the request of the Chinese government. The country's internet regulator told Apple that Threads and WhatsApp should not be downloaded on security grounds. In fact, Apple disagrees with the order because they have restricted user rights. However, Apple told 9to5mac that, "We are obliged to follow the law in the country where we operate." If it does not comply with orders from the Chinese government, Apple will face very serious problems. Their phones are not legally prohibited from operating, but China could force Apple to close the App Store.

"Administrasi Dunia Maya China memerintahkan penghapusan aplikasi-aplikasi ini dari etalase China berdasarkan masalah keamanan nasional mereka. Aplikasi ini tetap tersedia untuk diunduh di semua etalase lain tempat aplikasi tersebut muncul," jelas Apple.China sudah melarang akses ke layanan Meta sejak lama, tetapi aplikasi seperti Threads dan WhatsApp masih tersedia di App Store untuk waktu yang lama. Dua aplikasi tersebut bisa diunduh jika pengguna memakai layanan VPN dan mengubah lokasi.Setelah menghilang dari App Store, pengguna iPhone di China tidak bisa mengunduh aplikasi buatan Meta kembali. Namun, jika mereka sudah memiliki aplikasinya, kemungkinan besar Threads dan WhatsApp masih bisa beroperasi menggunakan VPN.