Apple has been accused of kowtowing to the Chinese government by pulling from its China App Store a product enabling users to circumvent firewalls and access restricted sites . OpenDoor , a free app that provides users a randomized IP address to keep their browsing habits anonymous and shielded from censors , was removed after the tech giant deemed it contained `` illegal content , '' the app 's lead developer told CNN . It remains available in App Stores outside China . The developer -- who wished to remain anonymous , saying that `` as the developers of an app that protects users ' privacy and anonymity online , it only makes sense to do the same ourselves '' -- said Apple provided no notification that the app had been pulled , with the developers only learning from consumers . When Apple responded to OpenDoor , they were told only that the app contained content that was illegal in China . Apple requires developers to comply with legal requirements in all locations in which the product is made available . The company did not respond to CNN 's request for comment . OpenDoor , a self-described `` small team of programmers spread across the world collaborating over the Internet , '' considers it has reasonable grounds to challenge Apple 's move , as its product is a browser app and any content accessed through it is at the discretion of the user . But the developer said there were no plans to try to force the tech giant into a rethink . `` Unfortunately , we 're not aware of any app developer ever ( successful ) in challenging Apple 's decision . In fact , we wo n't be surprised if Apple decides to pull our app from all app stores and/or terminates our account in retaliation ( to publicity over the issue ) . '' The developer said that prior to its removal from Apple 's China App Store on July 11 , the app was being downloaded about 2,000 times a day in China , accounting for about a third of the app 's total downloads . The Chinese government strictly polices Internet access , censoring web users and blocking access to sites deemed sensitive . Chinese social media users were critical of Apple 's move , saying the decision diminished the company 's moral standing , and comparing it unfavorably to Google as a champion of Internet freedom . `` The fruit is contaminated , '' wrote a user on the Twitter-like Sina Weibo microblog under the handle @ XieGov . `` Where 's your integrity ! '' asked @ Shenzhenlangya . `` The only one who does n't surrender to evil is my great Google ! '' wrote @ Meihoujiushilaowang . A smaller group were more understanding of the company 's position , however , acknowledging that conforming to China 's censorship policy was the price to pay to do business in the country . `` Apple is determined to do well in China , '' wrote Sina Weibo user @ Mantianyufeihong . `` How can Apple step in to the Chinese market without strict censorship ? How can it do business without showing their sincerity ( to the government ) ? '' Other apps previously removed from Apple 's App Store in China for falling foul of censorship laws include one providing access to forbidden books , and a news app for a U.S.-based broadcaster founded by the banned spiritual group Falun Gong .
Apple is being criticized for blocking access in China to a firewall - busting app . The app , OpenDoor , was pulled for falling foul of censorship laws . Users of Chinese social media say the software giant has lost control over the app .