October 4, 2023

Apple has begun requiring new apps to have a license from the Chinese government before they can be added to the App Store. This is a major change in policy for Apple, which has previously resisted Chinese government censorship.

The new law, which was announced in August 2023, requires all app developers to be either based in China or partnered with a Chinese company. It also gives the Chinese government the power to approve or deny all apps that are submitted to the App Store.

Privacy advocates have expressed concerns about the new law, arguing that it gives the Chinese government too much control over user data. However, Apple has said that it is committed to protecting user privacy and that it will only comply with the new law to the extent that it is required to do so.

It is unclear how the new law will impact existing apps on the App Store. However, it is likely that some apps, such as social media apps that are banned in China, will be removed from the store.

The sources for this piece include an article in AppleInsider.