As the US Congress considers a ban on the Chinese social media app TikTok over security concerns, millions of Americans continue to download Chinese-designed apps that pose even greater privacy risks. Despite this, there has been no outcry from lawmakers or regulators about these apps.
Chinese apps have been growing in popularity in the US, with many of them collecting vast amounts of user data. Unlike TikTok, which has faced scrutiny over its data privacy practices, these apps have largely flown under the radar.
One such app is WeChat, a messaging app that has become a popular way for Chinese-Americans to stay in touch with friends and family in China. WeChat has been accused of monitoring users’ conversations and sharing data with the Chinese government.
Another app that has raised concerns is Zoom, a video-conferencing app that has seen a surge in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoom has been criticized for its lax security practices and for sharing user data with third-party companies.