China has ordered administration workers not to use foreign-branded devices, including iPhones, for work after alleged cyber security concerns.
“In recent weeks, officials have been instructed by their superiors not to use these devices in workplace communication channels as part of Beijing’s ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technology, increase cyber security and to limit the flow of sensitive data across China’s borders,” the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
The report could not be independently verified, and there was no official response from the Chinese authorities or from iPhone.
Apple generates about 19 percent of its revenue from China, which is its second largest market after the US market.
Beijing’s action comes as US officials, at the federal and state levels, have also restricted the use of Chinese devices including Huawei, as well as social media giant TikTok.
