Apple to explain reasoning behind controversial App Store bans after censorship criticism

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The call for transparency was first made by some of Apple’s biggest investors. According to the Financial Times, nearly a third of the company’s investors have called for greater transparency in how Apple deals with governments. This was formalized during the vote on a resolution last March. Azzad Asset Management and an investment firm called Tulipshare, both of which have stakes in Apple, led the charge. The companies have asked for more information about why some apps used to help study the Bible and Quran 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, apparently at the behest of the Chinese government. The media’s own app is one, as is the Meta-owned messaging service WhatsApp. The document also lists 89 apps China flagged in 2021, all of which would have been 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 say she will go ahead with the new policies and give shareholders a clear breakdown of her dealings going forward.

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