Consumer electronics giant Apple (AAPL) is limiting the use of its AirDrop wireless file sharing function on devices in China.
The move comes after reports surfaced that protesters in mainland China and Hong Kong had used the popular feature to spread messages critical of the Chinese government.
Users of iPhones in mainland China who updated their iOS software this week can send or receive files from non-contacts for only up to 10 minutes after manually selecting a new “everyone for 10 minutes” option, according to multiple media reports.
Users not in China face no such restriction and are able to receive files wirelessly from anyone, including people who are not direct contacts.
The change does not impact iPhones that were purchased outside of China. However, Apple has said that the new feature will be expanded globally throughout 2023.
The update from Apple comes after reports that protesters in China were using AirDrop to spread leaflets and information to protest against Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the country’s ruling Communist Party.
AirDrop has also proven to be popular among anti-government demonstrators in Hong Kong who regularly use the feature to drop colorful posters and artwork to subway passengers urging them to take part in local protests against Chinese authorities.
Protesters took to social media to criticize Apple for the change to AirDrop, accusing the company of bowing to pressure from Chinese authorities and supporting authoritarian rule.
Apple stock is down 19% this year and trading at $146.87 U.S. per share.
