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Apple's Tim Cook says removal of VPN apps from Chinese App Store was unavoidable

By Cosmin Vasile

Updated: Aug 02, 2017, 6:38 AM

Apple's Tim Cook says removal of VPN apps from Chinese App Store was unavoidable

Over the weekend, Apple started to remove an unknown number of VPN apps for iOS devices that were available for download via its Chinese App Store. Developers and VPN providers were notified via email that their apps would be removed from the App Store “because it includes content that is illegal in China.”

Today, Apple's CEO Tim Cook tried to respond to criticism related to the removal of these VPN apps from the Chinese App Store. According to him, the issue was unavoidable as Apple was merely following new government regulations.

We would obviously rather not remove the apps, but like we do in other countries we follow the law wherever we do business. And we strongly believe that participating in markets and bringing benefits to customers is in the best interest of the folks there and in other countries as well. So we believe in engaging with governments even when we disagree.

Furthermore, Tim Cook confirmed that there are hundreds of VPN apps still available in China, which are developed by people outside the country and can be downloaded via local App Store.

Apple's CEO said he's hoping the new restrictions imposed by the Chinese government will loosen up in the future since “innovation really requires freedom to collaborate and communicate.”

source: AppleInsider

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Cosmin, a tech journalist with a career spanning over a decade, brought a wealth of experience to PhoneArena. His expertise lies in brands like Samsung and Nokia, and he has a keen interest in innovative technologies. After a brief stint in PR, Cosmin returned to tech journalism in 2016, committed to delivering clear and objective news. When he's not writing or appearing as a guest on TV and radio shows, Cosmin enjoys playing RPGs, watching Netflix, and nurturing his passion for history and travel.