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Every new application that will be sold on the Apple App Store now needs to obtain permission from China. Photo/Apple Insider
BEIJING – Apple has finally complied with China’s wishes in procuring new applications on the Apple App Store. All applications must first obtain permission or license from the Chinese authorities.
Quoted from the Apple Insider page, Tuesday (3/9/2023), Apple inevitably complied with this pressure after new regulations were issued by China in August 2023. From there, every application that will be marketed through the Apple App Store must first be reviewed by the authorities. China.
“The new rules state that every developer must have a representative in China. At least collaborate with partners in that country,” said Apple Insider.
After getting the green light, the application can enter the Apple App Store and then be downloaded by the user. “The Chinese government has complete control over what applications can be sold in their country,” continued Apple Insider.
Apple Insider said China is believed to be implementing the new law specifically to crack down on social media companies including Facebook and Instagram. This is because such social media services have been banned online but can still be accessed via applications.
Initially, Apple resisted the change in law, to the point that staff reportedly met with Chinese officials to negotiate and reject the change. However, according to Reuters, Apple is now starting to comply.
On Friday, September 29, 2023, Apple will require developers to submit their Internet Content Provider (ICP) application when submitting new apps. China has given developers a grace period to comply, but for new apps it ends in September 2023. Existing apps have until March 2024.
Apple’s move to finally agree to the Chinese government’s pressure is actually bad news for users of applications that have been banned in China. This means that China can now actually directly ban social media such as Facebook and Instagram from entering the application store.
(wib)
