Headline RoundupSeptember 18th, 2020

US to Ban Consumers from Downloading TikTok, WeChat Apps

Privacy, China, Business, Commerce, TikTok, WeChat, Technology, Cybersecurity, Big Tech, National Security, Defense And Security

Summary from the AllSides News Team

Amid concerns about privacy and national security, the U.S. Commerce Department announced it will ban U.S. customers from downloading Chinese-owned applications TikTok and WeChat beginning this Sunday. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the move will "combat China’s malicious collection of American citizens’ personal data." WeChat use will be heavily restricted for current users starting Sunday; TikTok will be similarly restricted beginning November 12 unless more privacy safeguards are added, according to Ross. TikTok has adamantly denied giving U.S. user data to the Chinese government; some security experts believe China could obtain the data either way. Coverage from right-rated outlets generally placed more attention on the Chinese ownership of the app, and concerns about China spying on U.S. consumers.

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From the Right

Commerce Department announces clampdown on TikTok and WeChat begins Sunday

Washington Examiner

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Washington Examiner

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The Trump administration will begin blocking business transactions in the United States with popular Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok and messaging app WeChat starting on Sunday.

The Commerce Department announced the new rules barring TikTok and WeChat from U.S. app stores on Friday, but it could be rescinded depending on whether a deal that addresses national security concerns is reached.

“Today’s actions prove once again that President Trump will do everything in his power to guarantee our national security and protect Americans from the threats of the Chinese Communist Party,” Commerce...

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From the Left

US bans WeChat, TikTok citing privacy, national security

Associated Press

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Associated Press

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The U.S. will ban the downloads of the Chinese apps TikTok and WeChat on Sunday, with a total ban on the use of the latter, citing national security and data privacy concerns.

A total ban on the use of TikTok will follow on Nov. 12, but Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said early Friday on Fox Business Network that access to that app may be possible if certain safeguards are put into place.

“At the President’s direction, we have taken significant action to combat China’s malicious collection of American citizens’ personal...

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From the Left

The Trump Administration Is Banning Americans From Downloading TikTok And WeChat

BuzzFeed News

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BuzzFeed News

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The Trump administration said Friday that it will block people in the United States from downloading popular Chinese-owned apps TikTok and WeChat starting Sunday. Both apps are used by over 100 million people in the country.

According to a US Department of Commerce order, new downloads of the apps will be banned from US app stores as of September 20. WeChat, an app popular with Chinese nationals in the United States, will also be banned from hosting content, processing payments within the US, and sending money to other WeChat users...

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