After WhatsApp, Skype removed from app stores in China
Many believe that it is because of the strict cybersecurity laws and internet regulations in China
(Web Desk) – Skype is the latest victim of what is believed as the strict cybersecurity laws and internet regulations in China. The online video communication app was removed from several app stores including that of Apple.
Apple’s App Store made Skype app unavailable for iPhones and iPads during the recent times. When approached by media, Apple spokesperson responded that they were notified by the Ministry of Public Security that a number of voice over internet protocol apps do not comply with local law and therefore these apps were removed from the app store in China.
The Microsoft-owned service can still work in the country, however, it is hard to say whether it will remain working. Almost all major foreign social networking and messaging apps face disruption in China.
Responding to the matter to NYTimes, Microsoft spokesperson told, “Skype has been temporarily removed from Apple’s store,” adding that they are working to reinstate the app as soon as possible.
There is a rather large line of unavailable apps in the country including the popular mobile applications like Facebook, Snapchat, Gmail, Twitter, Telegram and Line. WhatsApp was also disabled this year for similar reasons. All these applications have encryption feature due to which state-run monitoring cannot take place.
It should be mentioned that Google’s services are largely blocked in China and the Android phone users have to download apps from third-party stores. Skype app and other major foreign-run tools for online communication are not available on smartphones manufactured by Chinese tech giants like Huawei and Xiaomi.
