Apple boss Tim Cook refuses to explain why he has limited AirDrop in China

Apple CEO Tim Cook refused to comment on the protests in China, avoiding questions about why the company's AirDrop feature was limited in the country or his thoughts on the beatings of iPhone factory workers. Apple is catching heat for a new software update - exclusive to China - that makes it harder to use iPhones' AirDrop feature. 'Why did Apple modify the AirDrop feature in China in a manner that makes it more difficult for Chinese protesters to communicate amongst themselves?' he asked. GOP lawmakers are also grilling Apple about its new China-exclusive AirDrop update that limits the feature's usage, which was implemented just weeks before nationwide protests. The AirDrop feature allows iPhone users to bypass internet censorship by sharing pictures, videos and notes just on the wireless connection between Apple devices. Elon Musk's ownership of Twitter has come under heavy scrutiny, leading to Republicans saying the administration has double standards when it comes to Tim Cook's Apple. So Kirby faced tough questioning about his response to Apple restricting the use of its Airdrop feature just before protests broke out.