This past week, American tech giant Apple removed multiple apps from the IOS app store which conflicted with the views of the Chinese government. Apple removed a Hong Kong mapping app and a news outlet app in respect to mainland China’s wishes. Both of these apps were viewed as supporting the pro democracy movement/riot in Hong Kong, and as such the Chinese government wanted to quell the power of these apps.
Apple released an official statement which stated that they removed the mapping app because it “has been used in ways that endanger law enforcement and residents in Hong Kong” and has been “used to target and ambush police.” I believe that Apple’s defense here is really in their own self interest, not with the people of Hong Kong or even the people of mainland China. Apple generated over $51 billion in revenue during 2018 from the Chinese market , accounting for about 20% of their total revenue for that year. Apple produces most of their products within China, so in order to protect their massive supply chain they have to side with the Chinese government on any social issues which may arise.
Apple is one of the most powerful companies in the world. They have the power to influence millions of people the information accessed by their customers through the devices they sell and maintain. Major companies like Apple are in a tough spot when it comes to freedom of information in foreign markets. They need to support the sale of their products in foreign nations but at the same time not go totally against their own values. Apple does seem to be hypocritical when it comes to their stance on China, stating “We believe that Apple can best promote fundamental rights, including the right of free expression, by being engaged even where we may disagree with a particular country’s law”.
I believe that the censorship of information in China is detrimental to their rise in the world. If their own people are not allowed to think for themselves and learn all that the world offers, then how can China take over the US both socially and economically?
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/10/apple-deferred-to-the-chinese-long-before-the-hong-kong-protests.html