The latest iOS update Apple rolled out in China came with something not included in the release for other regions. According to Bloomberg, it limits the time a user can receive files via AirDrop from non-contacts to 10 minutes. Activists and protesters in China have been using AirDrop to circumvent the country’s online censorship measures. It was widely used during Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests to share images of police brutality. This isn’t the first time Apple has introduced a feature — or, in this case, a restriction — to ensure it stays in the Chinese government’s good graces. Recently, the company reportedly told Taiwanese suppliers to ensure parts bound for the mainland don’t come with Made in Taiwan labels. Instead, their source should be Chinese Taipei or Taiwan, China.
Apple told Bloomberg the AirDrop limit won’t remain a Chinese exclusive. It allegedly plans to roll out the new limitation to all users around the world next year to “mitigate unwanted file sharing.”
– Mat Smith
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