As anti-government protests continue to swell across China, a key communication tool used by dissenters for organizing and sharing information has now been curbed.
The restrictions on AirDrop were enacted only in China after it was used to share posters opposing the Chinese government and just weeks before large-scale protests against the state's strict zero-COVID policies began.
The changes, which were first reported by 9to5Mac on November 7, include limiting the amount of time an Apple user can use the "Everyone" setting to receive content from anyone.
Users can choose to receive AirDrop from everyone. Protesters have used the tool to spread information about demonstrations, and it was used to organize protests in Hong Kong.
Apple did not reply immediately.
According to the company, it intends to roll out the setting around the world.
Changes to the feature remain exclusive to China, and some say they may be preventing mass protests that erupted across the country this weekend in response to COVID-19 measures.
Videos showing a firetruck failing to properly extinguish the flames has some locals blaming virus control barriers for the deaths of residents.
According to The Financial Times, there was a protest on Saturday after the victims of the fire were mourned, with attendees yelling "we don't want the government to test us" and decrying the government.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
