Apple’s new privacy feature, designed to mask users’ internet browsing, won’t be available in China

KEY POINTS

Apple revealed a new service called iCloud+ at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a feature named “Private Relay.”
It allows users to mask their browsing activity and identity, a little like a virtual private network (VPN).
But Apple will not offer the service in China, citing local laws.
China has strict internet controls and unauthorized use of VPNs is illegal. While Apple’s Private Relay is not technically a VPN, it acts similarly.

GUANGZHOU, China — Apple’s new feature designed to give users more privacy when browsing the web will not be available in China, one of the iPhone maker’s most important markets.

Apple revealed a new service called iCloud+ at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday. One of the features included in that is “Private Relay.”

When users browse the internet using Safari, their data will be sent through two separate servers to mask the user’s identity and what sites they are visiting. As a result, even Apple or the user’s network provider cannot see that data.

It’s a little like a virtual private network (VPN) where users can route their internet traffic through a server located somewhere else in the world to mask their browsing activity.

China's so-called Great Firewall effectively allows authorities to block websites from being accessed within China including Google and Facebook. VPNs are often used to get around China’s strict internet controls.

An Apple spokesperson told CNBC that Private Relay will not work in China and some other countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Belarus, and Uganda.

Apple said it could not offer the feature in these countries due to local laws.

Using unauthorized VPNs to access blocked websites is illegal in China. While Apple’s Private Relay is not technically a VPN, it acts similarly.

In 2017, the U.S. technology giant removed some VPN services from its China App Store to comply with local regulations.