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| Apple removes popular Quran app in China |
Apple has removed one of the world's most famous Quran app from the Chinese App Store, the popular Quran reading and listening application Quran Majeed.
The company has reportedly removed the app at the request of government officials, which is somewhat surprising given that Islam is a protected religion in the People's Republic of China.
The Holy Quran is available for free from the App Store all over the world. It has nearly 150,000 comments. It is used by 25 million Muslim users around the world. This is according to Pakistan Data Management Services, the developer of the app.
The app has been removed for hosting illegal religious texts. A statement from the app maker said: According to Apple, Quran Majeed has been removed from the Chinese App Store because it contains content that requires additional documentation from Chinese authorities.
The Pakistani data management services company claims to have nearly one million users in China. He is now trying to solve this problem with the Chinese Cyberspace Administration in China.
The Chinese Communist Party officially recognizes Islam as the country's religion. However, China is accused of violating the human rights of the Muslim-majority Uyghur ethnic group in Xinjiang and even genocide.
Earlier this year, the BBC reported that Uyghur imams were the target of a Chinese raid in Xinjiang.
Without a clearer explanation, it appears that the move may be an illegal act, despite it being part of the company's official position on human rights issues abroad.
The company's human rights policy states: We must comply with local laws. Sometimes we may disagree with the government on complex issues. Through dialogue and belief in the power of sharing, we strive to find the best solution for our users. including their privacy, ability to express themselves, and access to reliable information and useful technology.
However, it is not yet clear which rules the app violates in China. The application is trusted by more than 35 million Muslims around the world.
Apple has repeatedly complied with the demands of the Chinese authorities
China is one of Apple's largest markets, although this decision may make business sense. But this framework has put the company in a suspicious position.
Apple removed VPN apps that allowed Chinese users to bypass censorship and preemptively blocked apps that mentioned Tiananmen Square, the Dalai Lama, or the Independent States of Taiwan and Tibet.
The company's suppliers in the region are also linked to the persecution of the Uyghur minority, who are the majority of Muslims in China.
Apple relies on its business relationships and sales in China. If the company takes a tough stance against the government, it may be in danger.