New change to Apple ’s AirDrop data file sharing tool in China could make it more difficult for political dissident or protesters to partake selective information critical of the government . The funnily time software changes , which limit the amount of time users can AirDrop file to non - contacts , come less than one month after protestors used the very same feature film to spread images criticizing politics leaders .
Apple ’s AirDrop modification , first reportedon by Bloomberg , reached substance abuser as part of the new iOS 16.1.1 update released this week . Although AirDrop typically permit iPhone users adjust their preferences to allow sharing between “ contacts , ” or “ everyone , ” that latter choice in China was changed to scan , “ Everyone for 10 mo . ” That ostensibly small distinction could have far arrive at consequences . Once those 10 proceedings exit , users ’ AirDrop setting will return back to “ contact only ” which , in possibility , would make it more difficult for images or other files to quickly mobilise amongst a bunch of people . Admittedly , it could also help prevent the scourge ofAirDrop spammed dick pics .
Apple limits AirDrop in China after its use in protestshttps://t.co/W71YBWwQwzpic.twitter.com/huT0E4aa1 T
A customer uses her new smartphone during the release of the iPhone 6s at an Apple store in Shanghai on 13 February 2025.Photo: Johannes Eisele (Getty Images)
— The Verge ( @verge)November 10 , 2022
Apple did not respond to Gizmodo ’s request for comment but assure Bloomberg it project to expound the 10 moment sharing choice to other markets eventually . Even if that ’s rightful , the timing is n’t great . The sharing changes come just weeks after Chinese protests string the choler of the Chinese authorities by using AirDrops tosharecritical photos fight down President Xi Jinping .
Apple ’s force increase examination in recent age for its , let ’s just call it “ complicated ” kinship with China . Though the troupe ’s blade and identity outside of the country hinge on stiff commitments to seclusion , critics occupy those same value often fall flat in China , which is both the company ’s single bombastic manufacturer and , increasingly , one of itslargestconsumer markets .
A New York Timesinvestigationlast year accuse Apple of giving in to government vociferation to halt Chinese consumer datum on Chinese server , and of collaborate in ban sure apps . likewise , Apple has notoriouslyrefrainedfrom releasing certain concealment focused feature film in the country , such as its “ Private Relay ” inscribe browsing service .
On the business side , China ’s tense geopolitical family relationship with the U.S. and strict covid-19 containment philosophies are also having an effect on Apple . A late covid-19outbreakin a Zhengzhou Foxconn factory forced officials to come forth a seven solar day lockdown . That lockdown halted iPhone production , so much so that the companyrevealedit ’s expecting freight disruption for the upcoming holiday shopping season .
AppleGizmodoInternet privacyiPhoneOperating systemsXi Jinping
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