China expands iPhone ban that began in September. China, which initially banned government employees in some states from using iPhones, has now expanded the ban to include all government employees across the country. According to a Bloomberg report, the ban that started in Beijing and Tianjin has been extended to 8 more provinces in China.
With this decision, all employees working in government agencies in China are prohibited from using iPhones and bringing them to the office. Workers are expected to prefer locally made devices, which may mean they turn to Chinese brands like Huawei. The Chinese government aims to reduce technology dependence on the US and other Western countries and promote domestic alternatives.
Although China announced in September that the ban on the iPhone was not related to security, the United States considered this decision an inappropriate retaliation.
