Apple is removing VPN (Virtual Private Network) applications from its Chinese App Store.Apple removed the VPN apps from the Chinese App Store because VPNs were allowing users to bypass the so called “Great Firewall” of China.Because of VPN apps, the Chinese users were able to use overseas sites as well.
One of the biggest VPN company ExpressVPN said, “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. “ExpressVPN strongly condemns these measures, which threaten free speech and civil liberties.”
ExpressVPN said that they received a notice from the Apple to remove all the VPN apps from the Chinese App Store and they mentioned the reason as “because it includes content that is illegal in China.”
VyperVPN president Sunday Yokubaitis said their VPN apps were also removed from the Chinese App Store. He said, “We gladly filed an amicus brief in support of Apple in their backdoor encryption battle with the F.B.I., so we are extremely disappointed that Apple has bowed to pressure from China to remove VPN apps without citing any Chinese law or regulation that makes VPN illegal.” and then he also added, “We view access to the Internet in China as a human rights issue, and I would expect Apple to value human rights over profits.”
The Chinese government has forced the Apple to remove all the VPN apps from the app store.Apple is also going to start their first data center in China.China is the second biggest market for Apple after the USA so they will not take any wrong decision to spoil their business in China.
After this move, the Apple users in China will not be able to use overseas sites using VPN applications.
