In the latest example of censorship by the Chinese government, tech giant Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been asked to remove popular chat messaging apps like Meta’s (NASDAQ:META) WhatsApp and Threads from its app store. Other messaging platforms, including Signal and Telegram, were also removed from AAPL’s app store.
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The Chinese government cited national security concerns for the removal of the apps but did not specify which concerns. China is Apple’s second-biggest market for its devices.
An Apple spokesperson commented that the company was bound to follow the laws of the country in which it operates, “even when we disagree.”
In China, accessing such messaging apps is possible only through virtual private networks (VPNs) due to censorship concerns. The Chinese government has often viewed these apps with concern, fearing they could facilitate the rapid dispersal of negative content and potentially lead to social unrest.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, China’s Cyberspace Administration asked Apple to remove WhatsApp and Threads due to negative political content about the Chinese president.
Is Apple a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Analysts remain cautiously optimistic about AAPL stock, with a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 16 Buys, 10 Holds, and two Sells. Year-to-date, AAPL has declined by more than 10%, and the average AAPL price target of $200.21 implies an upside potential of 19.8% from current levels.
