Apple restricts AirDrop in China – and thus hinders Protestants

Apple is restricting its in-house file sharing feature AirDrop in China. So far, however, Protestants have used the feature to organize anti-government protests.

In the run-up to the anti-government protests in China, Apple restricted its in-house file sharing option AirDrop. So far, however, Protestants have used the function to organize themselves and to send each other posters and information.

Apple limits AirDrop to 10 minutes in China

Earlier this month, Apple restricted the use of AirDrop in China. How among other things Business Insider reported that after the latest software update, users can only use the tool there for up to ten minutes to send files to “everyone”.

Chinese workers protest zero Covid policy

In China, protests against the country’s strict zero-Covid policy had intensified massively in the past few days. Mass protests erupted in the country after an apartment fire in the city of Urumgi in Xinjiang killed ten people.

Chinese demonstrators had used AirDrop to exchange data – mainly to organize and circumvent censorship. With Apple’s AirDrop limitation, people are now missing an important organizational tool.

Apple AirDrop restriction only applies to China

At the beginning of November, Apple announced that it intends to introduce AirDrop restrictions worldwide. The company wants to prevent unwanted file sharing.

However, the restrictions on AirDrop currently only apply to China. At the request of Business Insider Apple has not yet responded to comment.

Protests at Chinese iPhone factory

In recent weeks, people in China have not only taken to the streets against the government’s Covid policy. Violent protests also broke out in the world’s largest iPhone factory in Zhengzhou, China.

The manufacturer Foxconn said according to reports BBCthat the Chinese workers had doubts about the payment. The company, however, maintains that it would fulfill the contracts.

In addition, rumors are circulating that Foxconn employees have been asked to share dormitories with Covid-positive people.

In October 2022, the site was also closed due to the increasing number of Covid cases. As a result, some workers broke out of the factory.

Christmas business at risk

Apple recently stated that it expects delays in the delivery of the iPhone 14 models due to the disrupted production at the Foxconn plant. This could have significant consequences for the Christmas business.

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