Skype Disappears from Chinese App Stores

Skype has reportedly become the latest platform to run into troubles with the Chinese internet.

The Microsoft-owned Voice Over IP (VOIP) internet phone call and messaging service has been removed from several Chinese app stores, the New York Times reports.

Apple confirmed that it had removed several VOIP and messaging apps from its stores after the government noted that they violated local laws, with an Apple spokesperson telling the NYTimes:

“We have been notified by the Ministry of Public Security that a number of voice over internet protocol apps do not comply with local law. Therefore these apps have been removed from the app store in China. These apps remain available in all other markets where they do business."

The platform reportedly first began experiencing disruptions in late October, causing Chinese Skype users to complain that they could not pay for services on the mobile app through Apple. 

Skype also appears to be unavailable on major third-party Android app stores, including those of Xiaomi and Huawei.

The app still functions for users in China who already have it installed on their phones, but you are now unable to pay for extra features or download the latest version for updates within the Chinese mainland.

A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to the NYTimes that the app had been "temporarily removed" and that the hardware giant is “working to reinstate the app as soon as possible.” 

Skype becomes the latest foreign technology company to experience issues in China. Earlier this year, WhatsApp experienced disruptions in service, though the app currently remains usable on a sporadic basis. Several messaging platforms that don't require real-name registration have reportedly experienced problems due to China's recent crackdown on anonymous accounts. 

Over the summer, Apple also removed several VPNs from its App Store, including Astrill, ExpressVPN, Onekey and more.

[Top image via arstechnica.com]

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