The widespread use of certain Chinese apps among the Chinese diaspora raises significant concerns about censorship and surveillance. On January 10, the US Supreme Court heard arguments regarding TikTok's challenge to a federal law that would require its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US operations or face a nationwide ban. US lawmakers and intelligence officials, along with Chinese democracy advocates, argue that the Chinese government could exploit TikTok to spy on Americans, spread propaganda, or interfere in US elections.
Freedom House acknowledges the national security and human rights risks posed by apps like TikTok but opposes an outright ban. Banning such platforms could hinder free expression, limit access to information, and restrict civic engagement, potentially inspiring similar actions by other countries. Alternative, more measured strategies should be pursued to address these legitimate concerns.
Washington's scrutiny of Chinese apps is justified, especially given the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) capacity to leverage tech companies for political purposes. While data privacy and misinformation issues plague social media platforms globally, Chinese companies are particularly susceptible to state influence. An effective response to Beijing's influence must also consider WeChat, a dominant messaging app owned by Tencent. Though less popular in the US than TikTok, WeChat is deeply embedded in the lives of the Chinese diaspora. For many first-generation Chinese immigrants, it remains the primary means of communication and access to information. Researchers and civil society groups have documented censorship and surveillance affecting WeChat users outside China. Notably, Tencent has been identified by the US Defense Department as having ties to the Chinese military.
Diaspora's reliance on WeChat stems from the need to communicate with contacts in China, where the government blocks international social media and messaging apps. This dynamic forces users into a platform subject to CCP control. Vivian Wu, a New York-based Chinese journalist, aptly described this situation, noting that those wanting to stay connected with people in China must use WeChat, despite its surveillance risks.
WeChat's influence extends beyond communication; it is a powerful tool for CCP propaganda. Some Chinese Americans have voiced frustration over WeChat's censorship and criticized the U.S. government's limited support for free speech protections. However, any response must be cautious. A 2020 attempt by the Trump administration to ban WeChat was blocked by the courts due to First Amendment concerns and potential harm to communities relying on the app. International human rights standards dictate that any government restriction on speech must be necessary, proportionate, and transparent. The least restrictive solutions should be tried before more severe actions are considered.
Congress could begin addressing WeChat's issues by holding hearings to investigate the extent of its censorship and surveillance. Testimonies from affected Chinese activists, users, and Tencent executives would provide critical insights. Lawmakers should also formally question Tencent about its data handling and content moderation policies for U.S. users. This mirrors past actions taken with other tech giants like Google, Meta, and TikTok.
Additionally, Congress should enact laws mandating transparency in tech companies' recommendation algorithms, data collection practices, and human rights due diligence. Companies should be required to mitigate risks and share platform data with verified researchers. Such regulations would compel all tech firms, including those linked to authoritarian regimes, to prioritize user data protection and reveal foreign government influence.
The CCP's manipulation of social media is a genuine threat, but any solution must be deliberate and balanced to effectively safeguard national security and uphold democratic values.
