China bans Apple iPhone, foreign-brand smartphones for government officials at work: Report
The move is the latest among many purported attempts to prevent flow of data outside China
China ordered government officials to not use Apple iPhones and other foreign-brand devices for work or bring them to the office, the Wall Street Journal reported while citing people familiar with the matter.
The step is the latest under the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Communist Party led by Xi Jinpingto purportedly limit flows of sensitive information outside of China’s boundaries.
The extent of distribution for these orders remains unclear, but similar messages were conveyed to employees within certain central government regulatory bodies, the report added.
China is one of Apple's biggest markets and it accounts for 19 per cent of the company's overall revenue.
China iPhone ban: Limited ban was already in place
It must be noted that for years, Beijing had restricted government officials in specific agencies from using iPhones for work. But the Wall Street Journal reported that nowthese restrictions have expanded, reflecting Beijing and Washington's tit-for-tatactions over technology products and development.
China's restrictions align with similar bans in the US such as those against Huawei and Chinese-owned TikTok, as both Beijing and Washingtongrapple with concerns over data security amid a thaw in bilateral ties.
Amidst escalating rivalry with the US, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has cited national security as thereason to expandstate oversight of data and digital activities.
In July, China initiated an extensive update to its anti-espionage legislation.
Beijing has been encouraging its agencies and state-owned enterprises to replace foreign technology, including computers, operating systems, and software, with domestically produced alternatives deemed secure and controllable.
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