Microsoft's Skype disappears from app stores in China

Skype has disappeared from app stores in China including that of Apple, joining the long list of apps that are banned in the country including  Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Snapchat, YouTube, Netflix, and more.

"We have been notified by the Ministry of Public Security that a number of voice over internet protocol apps do not comply with local law, therefore these apps have been removed from the App Store in China," an Apple spokeswoman told Reuters.

Microsoft told the New York Times that Skype had only been "temporarily removed" from the iOS App Store and that it was trying to return the app "as soon as possible," although it's not clear what the company could do to restore access.

Recently, China has been on a censorship spree. In July, the country cracked down on VPNs that could be used to evade censorship and keep communications private. The actions are linked to real name authentication laws brought in earlier this year, requiring all network providers to verify the real names of users with state-issued IDs or passports.