Did Apple Kneel Again...? Muslim Quran App Removed from China App Store

BBC Highlights Connection to Muslim Uyghur Oppression
App Reading Christian and Islamic Scriptures Also Removed

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Apple, one of the world's largest big tech companies, has consecutively removed religious applications, including Quran apps, in China.

BBC and AP News reported on the 15th (local time) that Apple recently took down one of the world's most popular Quran apps in China, following a request from the Chinese government.

The app called 'Quran Majid' is used by millions of Muslims and had been available for download from the Apple App Store worldwide.

BBC stated that despite their inquiries, the Chinese government did not comment, but it is understood that the app was removed because it hosted illegal religious texts.

The company that developed the app, PDMS, told BBC that "According to Apple, Quran Majid was removed because it contained content requiring additional documentation from Chinese authorities."

They also viewed the app removal as related to China's crackdown on the Muslim Uyghur minority in the Xinjiang region.

BBC added that China has been criticized for its inhumane repression of the Uyghurs and reported earlier this year that Uyghur leaders were targeted by China's Xinjiang suppression policies.

Apple avoided commenting on this matter.

However, Apple introduced its human rights guidelines, stating, "While it is our obligation to comply with the laws of each country, sometimes there are complex issues where our views do not align with those of governments."

AP News reported that Amazon's audiobook service 'Audible,' which offers Islamic and Christian scriptures, and a phone app have disappeared from the Chinese App Store.

Audible announced last month that it had removed its app from China's Apple Store. Audible said the reason for the app removal was "due to compliance requirements," and companies that developed these apps also said they were removed at the request of the Chinese government.

The Chinese government stated, "We have promoted and supported internet development," and "At the same time, internet development must also comply with Chinese laws and regulations," according to AP News.

They added that the recent removal of Muslim and Christian apps is the latest example of the Chinese government's strengthened regulations on internet companies.

U.S. information technology giants have been criticized for accepting the Chinese government's censorship demands, mindful of the Chinese market, which accounts for a significant portion of their revenue.

Previously, Apple sparked controversy by removing virtual private network (VPN) apps, which allow overseas internet access, from the App Store in China.

According to a recent report by The New York Times, Apple has effectively handed over control of Chinese customers' data management to local authorities.

Apple has voluntarily removed apps related to dissidents identified by the Chinese government or fired employees who failed to filter such apps.

Microsoft (MS) faced strong criticism in the U.S. after blocking searches for key terms on its search engine 'Bing' during the 32nd anniversary of the June 4 Tiananmen Square democracy protests this year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.