China Bans iPhone Use for Government Officials at Work
Restrictions on foreign devices are the latest step in Beijing’s campaign to reduce reliance on overseas technology and could hurt Apple’s success in the country
BEIJING—China ordered officials at central government agencies not to use Apple’s AAPL 0.13%increase; green up pointing triangle iPhones and other foreign-branded devices for work or bring them into the office, people familiar with the matter said.
In recent weeks, staff were given the instructions by their superiors in workplace chat groups or meetings, the people said. The directive is the latest step in Beijing’s campaign to cut reliance on foreign technology and enhance cybersecurity, and comes amid a campaign to limit flows of sensitive information outside of China’s borders.
The move by Beijing could have a chilling effect for foreign brands in China, including Apple. Apple dominates the high-end smartphone market in the country and counts China as one of its biggest markets, relying on it for about 19% of its overall revenue.
It wasn’t clear how widely the orders were being distributed, but similar messages were communicated to employees at some central government regulators.
China’s State Council Information Office and Apple didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Beijing has for years restricted government officials at some agencies from using iPhones for work, but the order has now been widened, the people said. The latest order also signals an intensified effort by Beijing to ensure its rules are strictly enforced.
China’s restriction mirrors similar bans in the U.S. against Huawei as well as against officials using Chinese-owned TikTok, with both superpowers concerned about data leaks amid heightened emphasis on national security as relations hover near decadeslong lows.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has been emphasizing national security as its rivalry with the U.S. intensifies, leading to a tightening of state control over data and digital activities in recent years. In July, China started implementing an expansive update of an anti-espionage law.
Beijing has been urging its agencies and state-owned enterprises to replace foreign technology including computers, operating systems and software with homegrown products they deem safe and controllable.