Over the weekend, Apple removed multiple virtual private network services (VPNs) from the China App Store. The government has been cracking down on such service providers, which allow users in China to circumvent the “Great Firewall” that censors content and limits access to banned foreign websites. The private connection that VPNs provide conceals a user’s origin and encrypts communication.
In addition to its recent appointment of Isabel Ge Mahe to the newly created role of Vice President and managing director of Greater China, Apple is setting up its first data center in China by partnering with Guizhou, a local company, to comply with the country’s harsh cybersecurity laws.
VPNs removed from China App Store. Dismayed Apple sided w/ censorship, but we're committed to keeping you connected: https://t.co/wvVk6IIsD3
— ExpressVPN (@expressvpn) July 29, 2017
China has recently reevaluated its regulations and several VPN apps no longer meet the mark. Apple’s spokesperson told CNBC that “China’s (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) announced that all developers offer VPNs must obtain a license from the government”.
Apple has been under fire for its decision, as many organizations, including the UN, consider accessibility a human right. Golden Frog expressed its disappointment and had hoped that Apple “would choose human rights over profits”.
Edward Snowden also chimed in: “Apple has done much good for privacy and security in recent years, but actively assisting censorship crosses the red line of human rights.”
Apple has done much good for privacy and security in recent years, but actively assisting censorship crosses the red line of human rights. https://t.co/gzhRPqs5g9
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) July 29, 2017
This comes at a time when relations with China are increasingly tense. While Apple appears to enjoy growing business in mainland China, it also faces greater pressure to stand up for and support the freedom of speech.
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