China has released a list of mobile app stores that comply with its new regulations, but Apple’s iOS App Store isn’t included. As a result Apple could be forced to remove tens of thousands of apps from its App Store in China. This would be a major blow to Apple, as China is its second-largest market. (via Reuters)
The new rules require all mobile app stores to submit business details to the Chinese government and to hold said businesses accountable for illegal content. Some experts believe that Apple is reluctant to comply with these rules because they would give the Chinese government too much control over its App Store.
This also means that popular apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter could be removed from the App Store. By removing these apps from the iOS App Store in China, the government would make it more difficult for its citizens to access information from outside of the country. This is part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to tighten its grip on the internet and to control the flow of information.
It is worth noting that Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are all American companies. The Chinese government has a history of targeting American companies’ presence and operation locally. For example, in 2010, the Chinese government blocked access to Google after Google refused to comply with Chinese censorship laws.
Reuters reported earlier this month that app stores operated by other companies such as Tencent and Huawei have already begun to demand that apps on their app stores comply with new rules.
China’s new app store rules have left Apple in a difficult position. Especially that Apple could sell 45 million iPhones in China over the next year. If the company complies with the rules, it will give the Chinese government too much control over its App Store. If it does not comply, it’ll leave Apple in an arguably more difficult situation. Apple officials have already met with Chinese representatives to express their concerns over the new rules according to the Wall Street Journal.
Only time will tell what the long-term impact of the new rules will be. But one thing is for sure: the Chinese government is increasingly determined to control the digital world.