Donald Trump signs order banning transactions with 8 Chinese apps, including Alipay

Donald Trump signs order banning transactions with 8 Chinese apps, including Alipay

On a call with reporters shortly after the order was announced, senior administration officials declined to offer any specific evidence tying the blacklisted entities with alleged efforts by the Chinese government to obtain users’ personal data.

“The executive order is based on risk,” said one senior administration official, citing the large user base and high download numbers of the targeted applications. “We’re talking tens of millions of devices.”

Judge blocks US ban on WeChat that was set to go into effect today

Judge blocks US ban on WeChat that was set to go into effect today

A judge in California has blocked the Commerce Department’s ban on new downloads of China-based messaging app WeChat, Reuters reported Sunday. US Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler said in her order that WeChat users showed “serious questions going to the merits of the First Amendment claim, the balance of hardships tips in the plaintiffs’ favor.”

Trump to block U.S. downloads of TikTok, WeChat on Sunday

Trump to block U.S. downloads of TikTok, WeChat on Sunday

The commerce department announced Friday morning that it would ban U.S. business transactions with China-owned social apps WeChat and TikTok on Sunday.

Related:

Commerce Department Prohibits WeChat and TikTok Transactions to Protect the National Security of the United States

As of September 20, 2020, the following transactions are prohibited:

—Any provision of service to distribute or maintain the WeChat or TikTok mobile applications, constituent code, or application updates through an online mobile application store in the U.S.;

—Any provision of services through the WeChat mobile application for the purpose of transferring funds or processing payments within the U.S.