Authorities in China have reportedly ordered Apple to remove some of the world’s most popular messenger and social media services from the firm’s App Store in the country.

Observers say the move is aimed at tightening the government’s grip over the internet.

The Wall Street Journal says the US tech giant removed a host of apps on Friday, including WhatsApp and Threads, both run by Meta Platforms.

Messaging services Signal and Telegram are also unavailable.

People in China have been able to use such apps via a VPN, or virtual private network. But authorities in Beijing are concerned about the spread of negative content about the government.

The WSJ report says the Cyberspace Administration of China issued the order to Apple over concerns about national security.