Addressing the Threat Posed by Applications Controlled by Chinese Companies

Jan 8, 2021

Summary

Stops business with specific Chinese apps to protect Americans' private information from being collected by China's government.

What problem does this solve?

Chinese software on phones and computers can collect large amounts of personal data from Americans, giving China's government access to sensitive information. This order bans business with specific Chinese apps to stop them from collecting data and protect national security.

What does this order do?

Prohibits transactions with specific Chinese apps

Bans any transaction by people in the U.S. with those who develop or control eight specific Chinese applications: Alipay, CamScanner, QQ Wallet, SHAREit, Tencent QQ, VMate, WeChat Pay, and WPS Office.

Requires a report on protecting user data

Directs the Secretary of Commerce to create a report with suggestions on how to stop U.S. user data from being sold or given to foreign enemies.

Continues evaluation of other Chinese apps

Orders the Secretary of Commerce to keep checking other Chinese software applications for possible risks to national security, foreign policy, or the U.S. economy.

Prevents avoiding the ban

Forbids any attempt to get around the order's prohibitions, including forming a conspiracy to violate them.

Who does this affect?

Users of specified Chinese software applications
Chinese technology companies
U.S. businesses conducting transactions with the specified apps

What is the real world impact?

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Protects American data from foreign governments

Prevents the Chinese government from accessing Americans' personal information by banning certain apps that collect large amounts of user data, which could be used to track people or build personal files.

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Increases economic pressure on China

Uses national security concerns to justify banning popular Chinese tech companies from the U.S. market, which could be part of a broader economic strategy against China.

When does this start?

This order outlines several actions and deadlines that begin 45 days after its issuance on January 5, 2021.

Ban on transactions with specified apps

Beginning February 19, 2021 (45 days after the order), transactions with Alipay, CamScanner, QQ Wallet, and others are prohibited.

Report on preventing data transfers

By February 19, 2021, the Secretary of Commerce must provide a report with recommendations to stop U.S. user data from being sent to foreign adversaries.

Identification of banned persons and transactions

Starting on or after February 19, 2021, the Secretary of Commerce will identify the specific people and transactions subject to the ban.