Apple To Explain Reasoning Behind Controversial App Store Bans After Censorship Criticism – SlashGear

The call for transparency was first put forward by some of Apple’s biggest investors. According to the Financial Times, close to a third of the company’s investors have called for greater transparency when it comes to how Apple deals with governments. This was made official when they voted in a resolution held last March. Azzad Asset Management and an investment company called Tulipshare, both of which own stakes in Apple, led the charge. The companies asked for more information on why some apps used to help study the Bible and the Koran were removed from the Chinese version of Apple’s App Store two years ago.

The New York Times goes on to cite other apps that have been blocked, seemingly at the request of the Chinese government. The news outlet’s own app is one, as is the Meta-owned messaging service WhatsApp. The paper also points to 89 apps China had flagged in 2021, all of which were allegedly removed without any objection from Apple. The company has yet to comment on the vote, its dealings with governments, or what “greater transparency” will entail. But two sources with knowledge of the matter claim that it will move ahead with the new policies and give shareholders a clear breakdown of its dealings in the future.