China has released a list of companies that comply with a new law requiring companies with app stores to submit business details. Apple was reportedly left off the list. Other competitors in the field have also submitted documents and are in compliance, Reuters reported on Wednesday. A total of 26 companies are on the list, including six relatively important companies:
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Apple Online Store (China)
Ant Group
Baidu
Huawei
Tencent
Samsung
Millet
The deadline for submitting information has been set, and it's less than a year away. In August 2023, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) stated that companies must submit applications by March 2024. The law also requires app developers - not just app stores - to either set up companies in China or work with local developers.
China's new law goes beyond big app stores. The new regulations being implemented by the Internet Society of China require any company "engaging in Internet information services in the fields of news, publishing, education, film and television, religion, etc. through applications" to submit similar documents.
It's unclear how or when Apple will comply with China's demands.