Apple Removes HKmap.live From App Store

Apple Apps

HKmap.live is an app that helps people in Hong Kong track police presence and protestors. The iOS app was removed from the App Store the day after Apple received heavy criticism from the Chinese Communist Party’s official news outlet, the People’s Daily.

Apple claimed in a statement that it was used to “ambush police” and “threaten public safety.” There of course was no evidence to support this claim, and Apple was not responsive with the developers:

Tweet from @hkmaplive (archived)

HKmap.live can still be used via its web app.

Sources / Relevant Material

  1. @hkmaplive Twitter Thread - 1182154372563836928
  2. @Pinboard Twitter Thread - 1182348757360234497
  3. Hong Kong Free Press "Apple chief defends pulling app used by Hong Kong protestors"
  4. The Epoch Times "Apple Pulls Hong Kong App Amid Chinese Regime’s Pressure" by Eva Fu
  5. Breitbart "Apple Removes Hong Kong Protest App – Again" by Lucas Nolan
  6. ZeroHedge "Cook Caves To China: Apple Deletes Police-Tracking App Used In Hong Kong Protests"
  7. Politico "Liberals, conservatives hammer Apple for removing Hong Kong app" by Steven Overly
  8. Fox Business "Apple removes HKmap.live app from store over safety concerns"
  9. The Verge "Apple removes app used in Hong Kong protests after pressure from China" by Sam Byford
  10. iHeartRadio "Apple Removes Police-Tracking App Used By Hong Kong Protesters" by Bill Galluccio
  11. The Epoch Times "Apple Comes Under China’s Wrath After Approving Hong Kong App" by Eva Fu