Apple is removing VPN services from China App Store: providers

Apple Inc (AAPL.O) is removing virtual private network (VPN) services from its app store in China, VPN service providers said on Saturday, accusing the U.S. tech giant of bowing to pressure from Beijing to comply with stringent cyberspace regulations.

VPNs allow users to bypass China's so-called "Great Firewall" aimed at restricting access to overseas sites. Beijing has shut down dozens of China-based providers and it has been targeting overseas services as it bids to tighten its control over the internet, especially ahead of the Communist Party congress in August.

VPN provider ExpressVPN said on Saturday that it had received a notice from Apple that its software would be removed from the China App Store "because it includes content that is illegal in China".

"We're disappointed in this development, as it represents the most drastic measure the Chinese government has taken to block the use of VPNs to date, and we are troubled to see Apple aiding China's censorship efforts," ExpressVPN said in a statement.

Another provider, StarVPN, said via its Twitter account on Saturday that it had also received the notice from Apple.

Apple declined to comment on the issue when contacted by Reuters on Saturday.

China users with billing addresses in other countries will still be able to access VPN apps from other branches of the App Store. A number of VPN apps were still accessible on the China App store on Saturday.

Apple is in the middle of a localization drive in China, and named a new managing director for the region - a new role - this month.

It is also establishing a data center with a local partner in the southwestern province of Guizhou to comply with new Chinese cloud storage regulations.

Comments

Microsoft Edition Galaxy S8, S8 Plus Now Available In The US

Apps ASUS Best Cell Phone Deals BlackBerry Carriers Chinese Smartphones Gift Guide Giveaways Google HTC Huawei Lenovo LG Mobile Events Motorola Nokia OnePlus Phone Comparisons Reviews Samsung Smartwatches Sony Tech News Various Smartphones Wearables Xiaomi Microsoft Edition Galaxy S8, S8 Plus Now Available In The US Microsoft has begun selling the Samsung Galaxy S8 series on its official online store in the United States where both smartphone models are now available for purchase in unlocked and carrier-branded flavors. The Microsoft Edition Samsung Galaxy S8 lineup is identical to the standard models in terms of hardware specifications, however the devices offered by the Redmond-based PC giant seem to be pre-loaded with the official Microsoft Launcher as well as several productivity-oriented tools including Word, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, as well as the Cortana virtual assistant powered by AI. And no,...

15 Foods to help you sleep

1 Honey Add a drizzle of honey to warm milk or herbal tea a few hours before you plan on heading to bed. That little bit of glucose lowers levels of orexin , a neurotransmitter that raises your level of alertness. 2 Whole Grains If you're feeling a little restless before bedtime, reach for a piece of whole grain bread or toast. Whole grains encourage the production of insulin , which helps neural pathways get tryptophan — an amino acid that acts as a sedative — to the brain. 3 Bananas Skip the Ambien; reach for a banana instead. Bananas are high in potassium, a mineral that is essential to a having a deep night's sleep . Bananas also contain tryptophan and magnesium, making this fruit nature's little sedative. 4 Beans B vitamins have long been used to treat insomnia and help alleviate stress and anxiety. If you're looking for a natural vitamin B complex, try beans — they contain a nice smattering of differen...

Alexandre Lacazette deal to join arsenal almost complete.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed Alexandre Lacazette's move to Arsenal should be completed "within the next day or two". Arsenal's opening bid of £39m was turned down last month, but significant progress has been made in talks between the clubs. Aulas confirmed the deal is worth up to £43.8m (€50m), meaning it would eclipse the club-record £42.5m Arsenal paid for Mesut Ozil four years ago. Alexandre Lacazette's transfer to Arsenal could be actioned within the next day or two. "The figure reported by the English media of around €67m (including €12m in add-ons) is impossible and not realistic. Arsenal's first offer was around €45m, the transfer will be concluded in the range of €45m to €50m. The striker netted 37 times in 45 games last season "It constitutes, without doubt, a record transfer fee for Arsenal, [sic] and for Lyon of course!" Last month, Lacazette said he would only move to a club who are playing in Europe...

RIGHTINFO

Search This Blog