Apple reportedly restricts file-sharing function for Chinese iPhone users

Apple has reportedly restricted the file-sharing function for Chinese users after reports emerged around protesters sharing protest messages and digital content with strangers by using Airdrop.

Upon the new move, a 10-minute time limit is set for Chinese iPhone users to receive unexpected files from strangers before it automatically turns off, according to HKFP. The function did not have a time limit previously. 

This comes as anti-government protesters in China have reportedly used Airdrop to spread critical messages in crowded public spaces against Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s extension of power, said the report.

Over a hundred of WeChat users' accounts were blocked after discussing the incident by Chinese censors, while online videos and posts related to the demonstration were also removed. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Apple for a statement. Meanwhile, Apple didn’t comment on why the change was introduced in China, but said that it plans to roll out the new AirDrop setting globally in the coming year, according to Bloomberg,

AirDrop is a proprietary wireless ad hoc service in Apple's iOS and macOS operating systems. By using AirDrop, users can send photos, videos, websites and locations to other nearby Apple devices wirelessly. However, the “Everyone” option for AirDrop in its latest iOS update is restricted by only allowing users a 10-minute time limit to receive files from non-contacts, while the other two options remain “Receiving Off’ and “Contacts Only” unchanged, according to SCMP.

Back in September this year, the VP of Apple’s procurement team has left the company after a TikTok video of him went viral. In the video, the individual, Tony Blevins, made vulgar comments about women at the car show.

In the TikTok video, seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, as Blevins exits a Mercedes-Benz sports car, he says, “I race cars, play golf, and fondle big-breasted women.” This was in response to a question posed to him around what he does for a living. Apple confirmed his departure to CNBC.

This isn’t the first time the brand has parted with an employee due to sexist comments. Last year, Antonio García Martínez was told to leave after employees petitioned to investigate him due to his misogynistic statements in his autobiography. Martínez was formerly a product manager for ad targeting at Facebook.

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