Apple pulls illegal lottery apps from China App store
BEIJING: Apple said it has pulled illegal lottery apps from its App Store in China amid tightening regulation and a barrage of criticism from state media.
According to state media, the company has recently pulled around 25,000 apps from its Chinese store to cooperate with regulators.
Apple confirmed it has recently removed gambling apps from its store, but did not confirm the number of apps or a timeline for the removals.
"We have already removed many apps and developers for trying to distribute illegal gambling apps on our App Store, and we are vigilant in our efforts to find these and stop them from being on the App Store," Apple said.
State broadcaster CCTV criticised the US company's management on Sunday for allowing gambling apps, which are banned in China.
Official media has also criticised the company's iMessage service in China, saying the company's refusal to monitor communications is a hindrance to authorities.
Last year, Apple began removing hundreds of virtual private network (VPN) apps.
The apps help users bypass China's Great Firewall and access foreign social media and news, which are largely banned in China.
App stores by other companies, including Baidu and Tencent Holdings, are also required to remove banned foreign content and gambling apps.
Apple's App Store is the only major foreign-run app platform in China, where competitors - including Alphabet Inc's Google Play store - are banned. - REUTERS
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
