ICYMI: Press Coverage of Cruz-Leahy Letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) penned a letter last week to Apple CEO Tim Cook regarding reports that Apple has removed Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications (apps) from the version of Apple’s App Store available to users in the People’s Republic of China, and urged him to stop enabling the Great Firewall, China's internet censorship system which stifles free speech and internet freedom.
Several news outlets covered the letter. Select news coverage below:
CNBC: Apple removed several privacy apps in China — now two senators are demanding answers
“In a detailed list of questions, the senators asked Cook to explain if Apple had raised concerns when Beijing was formulating its cybersecurity laws or if the tech giant pushed back when asked to take down several of the apps. They also asked if Apple had preemptively taken down any apps from the China App Store and whether it had either promoted freedom of speech in the country or condemned the ‘government's censorship and surveillance mechanisms.’"
Fortune: Why Ted Cruz and Patrick Leahy Are Worried Apple Is 'Enabling' Chinese Censorship
“In a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook this week, the senators questioned the chief executive about a report from The New York Times in July that said Apple bowed to government pressure and removed apps that anonymize Chinese Internet users, allowing them to access an uncensored Internet. While the senators stopped short of accusing Apple of removing the apps, they expressed concern about the possibility of the company quelling access to free speech.”
Forbes: Senators Shame Tim Cook Over Apple VPN Ban In China
“The senators ask Cook for clarification on the Chinese government's involvement in the ban. However, as the senators point out, Apple does like to present itself as a bastion of internet freedom, and the main point of the letter appears to be to shame the company. They are asking the company to reveal just how hard it fought against the ban, and whether it's made a formal request to have them reinstated. They've also asked Cook to provide copies of any statements Apple's issued in China, either promoting free speech or condemning government censorship.”
Silicon Beat: Senators to Tim Cook: Is Apple ‘enabling’ Chinese censorship?
“In a public letter with a list of 10 questions, Cruz and Leahy argued Apple’s removal of VPN apps in July may only strengthen stringent Chinese online censorship. ‘If these reports are true, we are concerned that Apple may be enabling the Chinese government’s censorship and surveillance of the Internet,’ wrote Cruz and Leahy.”
Breitbart: Ted Cruz, Patrick Leahy Question Apple over ‘Enabling’ Chinese Censorship
“‘While Apple’s many contributions to the global exchange of information are admirable, removing VPN apps that allow individuals in China to evade the Great Firewall and access the Internet privately does not enable people in China to ‘speak up,' Cruz and Leahy proclaimed. ‘To the contrary, if Apple complies with such demands from the Chinese government it inhibits free expression for users across China, particularly in light of the Cyberspace Administration of China’s new regulations targeting online anonymity.’ In their letter, the two senators also referenced other times that Apple has seemingly acted against free expression, before ending it with, ‘We look forward to your response.’”
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