https://qz.com/1822127/encryption-app-to-avoid-coronavirus-censorship-removed-by-apple-in-china/
Last week, Apple reportedly removed a Chinese encryption app, called Boom the Encryption Keyboard, from the China app store. Boom is an encryption keyboard app that allows users in China to discuss and share information online, particularly about the coronavirus, without having to worry about the information being censored or removed by the Chinese government due to their strict internet censorship laws. The app allows Chinese users to keep their opinions and information censorship free by converting text, in English and Chinese, to emojis, Japanese characters, Korean characters, and by rearranging the text in random order. Chinese users can then decrypt the text by copying the emojis or characters onto the app.
I feel disappointed that the Boom Encryption Keyboard app was removed from the Apple app store in China. I think that this app was a great tool for Chinese citizens to use in order to spread knowledge and awareness in a country where the government doesn’t allow you to speak freely and openly. However, I think it is very sad that Chinese citizens have to go to these lengths just to discuss sensitive matters online such as the coronavirus. In Apple’s perspective, I do understand why they felt the need to remove the app from the app store. Apple is a very large company who I imagine never wants to get on people’s bad side, especially not on the bad side of an entire government. As far as the Boom creator is concerned, I hope that he, and other Chinese citizens, continue to do what they safely can do to spread awareness and knowledge of issues concerning their country such as information about the coronavirus.
LIS 4022 Spring 2020 