- A judge in California has again rejected a request to ban WeChat
- The government did not provide enough evidence that WeChat is a security risk
- President Trump issued an executive order in August to ban WeChat
A judge in California has rejected a request to reverse a previous decision, allowing WeChat to remain active in US app stores. As per the US Magistrate, new evidence the government provided did not change any opinion about the messaging app. Wechat is owned by the Chinese company Tencent app. WeChat will also remain active in US app stores for the time being.
The record does not support the conclusion that the government has ‘narrowly tailored’ information. As the prohibited transactions are to protect its national security interests. The evidence supports the conclusion that the restrictions are not substantial. It is more of a speech than necessary for the government’s legitimate interests.
Why is the US trying to ban Wechat?
WeChat and TikTok have been caught up in tensions and a growing rivalry between the US and China. The ownership of data and digital technology companies behind apps have taken center stage.
WeChat use is more highly concentrated in the Chinese American community, with an average US monthly user-base of 19 million active daily users. However, WeChat is a behemoth in the global app market, with more than 1.2 billion monthly active users in the second quarter of 2020.
Why was the ban blocked?
Beeler’s earlier order blocked the Commerce Department ban of US transactions on WeChat. Meanwhile, the government claimed it has identified “significant” threats to national security.
The group states there is no alternative app as WeChat is for them. As WeChat is the primary way for Chinese speakers in the US to connect with family in China as well as receive information locally. WeChat has some 19 million US users and 1 billion users globally.
Judge’s preliminary injunction also blocked the Commerce order that would have barred other transactions with WeChat in the United States that could have degraded the site’s usability for current U.S. users.