Biden drops plan to ban TikTok, WeChat: White House

AFP , Wednesday 9 Jun 2021

Instead of banning the popular apps, Biden administration would carry out a 'criteria-based decision framework and rigorous, evidence-based analysis to address the risks' from internet applications controlled by foreign entities

TikTok  and WeChat
File Photo: Icons for the smartphone apps TikTok and WeChat are seen on a smartphone screen. AP

President Joe Biden on Wednesday revoked executive orders from his predecessor Donald Trump seeking to ban Chinese-owned mobile apps TikTok and WeChat over national security concerns, the White House said.

A White House statement said that instead of banning the popular apps, the Biden administration would carry out a "criteria-based decision framework and rigorous, evidence-based analysis to address the risks" from internet applications controlled by foreign entities.

Trump had claimed the Chinese-owned apps posed national security risks and had sought to force the sale of TikTok to US investors.

Short link: