Following agreements between the US government and the Chinese company ByteDance, Apple has introduced new technical restrictions in its App Store. Users in the US are now unable to download or update apps owned by ByteDance. While these changes are primarily aimed at the TikTok social network, they also affect the company's other services. Reports habr.com.
According to a law passed by the US Congress, the distribution of apps where ByteDance holds a controlling stake is prohibited. As a result, iPhone users attempting to download these apps receive a notification that the program is unavailable in their region. Experts believe Apple has implemented complex systems that use GPS, Wi-Fi router codes, and SIM card data to determine user location.
US officials have long accused ByteDance of ties to the Chinese government and posing a threat to national security. These restrictions apply not only to TikTok but also to platforms like the AI-based Doubao chatbot and Fanqie Novel. Although Android users can install apps from other sources, Google has also restricted these programs in its Play Store.
Apple has not provided an official comment on the matter. However, the company's recent actions indicate a move toward more strictly separating regional versions of the App Store. This process accelerated following the change in TikTok's ownership in the US and a deal involving local investors, including the Oracle and Silver Lake consortium.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
