Learning English

Apple criticised for stopping VPN apps in China

Apple will remove all downloadable virtual private network (VPN) apps in its mainland China store to stop the population being able to access websites which the Chinese government have censored. 

Language challenge

‘A dangerous precedent’ is how one VPN provider describes Apple’s decision to remove VPN apps from mainland China’s apple store. But what does the word ‘precedent’ mean?

a) a prior action or event that is used as a reason why the same action should follow again in the future
b) a situation where you must allow someone to do something you don’t want
c) the head position of a republic and leader of the government

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The story

Apple has been criticised by providers of virtual private networks, or VPNs, after confirming that it’s removing VPN apps from its store in mainland China.

One VPN provider accused Apple of aiding China’s censorship efforts. Another called it a dangerous precedent.

Key words and phrases

circumvent
avoid a problem or issue

capitulation
agreement – often made unwillingly

scramble
move quickly to do something

To do

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Downloads

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Language challenge - answer

a) a prior action or event that is used as a reason why the same action should follow again in the future

End of Session 2

Join us in Session 3 for Pronunciation in the News - our video which teaches you pronunciation using the latest BBC World News bulletins.