Broadcaster Deems Apple's (AAPL) iPhone as 'National Security Concern' to China

Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPhone has been labeled as a national security concern by China's influential broadcaster.

According to the WSJ, China's state-run China Central Television (CCTV) had been referring to the iPhone's frequent locations function with the criticism. The function is a feature on iOS 7.

Frequent locations tracks and records the time and location of a user's movements. CCTV claims that those with access to the data could gain knowledge of the macro picture in China or even state secrets.

Apple has made great strides in China for mobile device market share over the last few years. The company current boasts a 6 percent total share of China's mobile handset market, and retains a strong 80 percent share of China's smartphone market for devices priced $500 and above.

Despite this, CCTV broadcasts are influential in China, though they may not necessarily reflect views of top brass in the country. Apple CEO Tim Cook apologized in 2013 following accusations of discriminating against the Chinese consumer, a report broadcast by CCTV.

Shares of Apple are positive early Friday.

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