Using Apple’s AirDrop or Google’s Files could soon be declared illegal in China. Here’s why

In another move aimed at restricting freedom of expression in China, the communist government is set to regulate file-sharing by nearby mobile devices and declare the popular feature a “national security threat".

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) posted the draft regulation on its website on Tuesday, launching a month-long, largely ineffective, public consultation on the matter.

If the draft regulations come into effect, the use of communication apps, such as Apple’s AirDrop and Google’s File, could be severely impacted.

According to the draft paper, the new regulations will restrict any feature or “file transfer services that rely on Wi-fi, Bluetooth, and other information technologies to form networks instantly and communicate to other devices over a short range”.

Why is China declaring nearby file-sharing a national security threat?

The communist country has grown concerned over the increasing use of Wi-fi or Bluetooth-based services to share content deemed politically sensitive by the authorities. For instance, last October, some activists in China were caught sharing anti-Xi Jinping photos using such services.

According to some media reports, Bluetooth-based file-sharing apps were used extensively during the 2019 Hong Kong protests. Also, Chinese people were found sharing anti-government content last winter when sentiments against stringent anti-COVID-19 measures were at their peak.

Security assessment mandatory

According to draft rules, companies will have to undergo a strict security assessment by the authorities before they make their communication apps widely accessible for Chinese users, any app which could be used for “public expression and social mobilisation”.

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The new rules will largely impact Apple’s AirDrop services; however, similar features provided by Chinese mobile manufacturers, such as Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi, could also face regulatory hurdles.

Furthermore, it is still unknown what kind of content will be labelled as a threat to national security.

Name registration mandatory

Draft regulations also make it mandatory for users to sign in with their official name to the app before using such services. According to Gao Fuping, a law professor at the East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai, the real-name registration requirement aims to “fill a loophole” in content control.

Gao added, “It is mainly about cybersecurity, and the core aim is to ensure all the information transmission can be traced in case problematic things happen.”

While Apple has so far refrained from making a public comment on China’s imminent move, it has already significantly limited its AirDrop feature for its Chinese customers. Last November, Apple imposed a 10-minute time limit on exchanging AirDrop content via all iPhones in China. The move was taken just days after Xi’s re-election as Chinese president for the third straight term.

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