Officially, the apps were already banned in China but could still be accessed by users with a VPN.
These apps remain available for download on all other storefronts where they appear.
Every country has different laws regarding speech, with many having no constitutional guarantee of free expression.
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during a parallel session of the China Development Forum at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, on Sunday, March 24, 2024.Photo: Tatan Syuflana (AP)
But Apple will almost certainly be able to fall back on the excuse that its just following local laws.
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