Applications that are using the CallKit framework are being removed from Chinese version of the Apple App Store after the nations Ministry of Industry and Information Technology ordered the company to strictly enforce the cyber security regulations. The company has started warning the developers that they should remove the CallKit integration from their applications or else the app will be removed from the store.
A similar case also took place when China banned VPN service providers in their country. The company has started sending notices to the app developers saying that they cannot offer CallKit functionality in the nation due to the government regulations hence they must remove the CallKit integration or else they can remove their application from Chinas App Store completely. The CallKit framework allows the users to avoid the censors and surveillance which is currently similar to VOIP protocol. 9to5Mac has explained that CallKit is the best way to integrate the VOIP calls into other applications and it will make it harder for the authorities to track their citizens.
“CallKit lets you integrate your calling services with other call-related apps on the system. CallKit provides the calling interface, and you handle the back-end communication with your VoIP service. For incoming and outgoing calls, CallKit displays the same interfaces as the Phone app, giving your app a more native look and feel. And CallKit responds appropriately to system-level behaviors such as Do Not Disturb.”
The WeChat messaging application which is called the WhatsApp of China has already planned ahead and removed CallKit in their latest update. Numerous VoIP applications like Skype have been blocked by the government over time. This cyber security measure was designed to strengthen so-called the great firewall a program which is used by China to filter the Chinese internet and monitor every citizen of the country.
These laws have caused disruption to many businesses overseas according to the South China Morning Post.
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