Apple’s AirDrop could see impact as China moves to restrict file-sharing apps - report
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China intends to regulate file-sharing among nearby mobile devices which could impact the use of Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) AirDrop and other such file-sharing applications, South China Morning Post reported.
The country's internet watchdog, Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) published a draft which proposes rules to limit the use of any file transfer services which rely on Wi-fi, Bluetooth and other information technologies to form networks immediately and communicate with other devices over a short-range.
The move is aimed at safeguarding "national security" according to the report.
AirDrop was used by protestors in China against strict zero-Covid restrictions and also during anti-government protests in Hong Kong.
Files by Google (GOOG) (GOOGL), and Fast Share on Google's Android operating service are similar close-range wireless communication tools. Chinese phone manufacturers Vivo, Xiaomi and Oppo also offer such file transfer features which are compatible among their own devices, the report added.
The proposed rules note that technology companies should undergo security evaluation if they intend to include any features which could be used "for public expression and social mobilization," according to the report.
In addition, all users of such features must also sign up under their real names.
There is a one month consultation period on the draft.
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