China — Apple’s latest security feature designed to give users more privacy while browsing the web will not be available in China, one of the iPhone maker’s most important markets.
Apple revealed a latest service called iCloud+ at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this Monday. One of the features included is “Private Relay.”
While users browse the internet using Safari, their data will be sent through two different servers to mask the user’s identity and what sites they are visiting. As a result, even Apple or the user’s network provider won't be able to see that data.
It’s a similar concept as virtual private network (VPN) where users can route their internet traffic through a server located somewhere else in the world to mask their browsing activity.
China's so-called Great Firewall effectively allows authorities to block websites from being accessed within China including giants Google and Facebook. VPNs are often used by the citizens to get around China’s strict internet controls.
An Apple spokesperson told that Private Relay will not work in China and some other countries which including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Belarus and Uganda.
Apple said it not able to offer the feature in these countries due to the local laws.
Using unauthorized VPNs to access restricted websites is illegal in China. While Apple’s Private Relay is not technically a VPN, it just acts in a similar way.
In 2017, the U.S. technology giant removed a number of VPN services from its China App Store to comply with local laws and regulations.
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