Skype has allegedly joined the lengthening list of internet contact tools on China’s blacklist, with Apple saying Wednesday it was ordered to clear its download store of apps that violate national laws.
Skype is no longer available for download on the China Apple Store or Android sites, with Chinese web-users saying it had been gone for weeks. China has strong its already demanding online policing this year, counting enacting new rules that require tech companies to store user data inside the country as well as commanding new restrictions on what is permissible content.
China has for years blocked leading foreign websites or services including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and a number of news organisations with a system of internet censorship nicknamed the “Great Firewall of China.” Skype’s removal from app stores comes as China prepares to host its fourth World Internet Conference next month. The annual event in eastern China is used by Beijing to promote its views about web policy, but has been criticized by rights groups.
