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US Lawmakers Scrutinize Apple and Google Over Chinese Apps compromising User Privacy
In a notable move,a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has formally questioned Apple and Google regarding their app stores’ continued availability of applications developed by Chinese entities, which they allege pose significant risks to user privacy and national security. The concerns are amplified by recent revelations of sophisticated cyberattacks orchestrated by Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups targeting critical U.S. infrastructure and telecommunications networks.
Groups such as Volt Typhoon, Flax Typhoon, and Salt Typhoon have been identified as perpetrators of these attacks. Notably, Microsoft recently disclosed that its SharePoint servers, used by numerous organizations for file storage and sharing, were compromised by “flax typhoon,” “Violet typhoon,” and china’s Storm-2603.This breach reportedly impacted over 400 entities.
the lawmakers, in a joint letter, expressed apprehension that the presence of these Chinese-linked applications on Apple and Google’s platforms raises serious doubts about the tech giants’ commitment to safeguarding user privacy. they argue that the continued allowance of such apps undermines public trust and the companies’ stated dedication to user interests.
The letter references a 2020 report by the “Technology Clarity Project,” which asserted that Apple has been “actively blocking sensitive applications in order to maintain its relations with China.” This report indicated that a significant portion of apps removed from Apple’s Chinese App Store were related to human rights issues that are heavily censored within China.Further underscoring these concerns, Apple confirmed in April 2024 that it had removed Meta’s WhatsApp and threads applications from its Chinese App Store at the behest of China’s top internet regulator.
The legislators have posed several pointed questions to both Apple and Google. They seek to understand the rationale behind permitting Chinese-funded VPN applications on their platforms, the extent of downloads these apps have experienced within the United States, and a detailed explanation of their review processes for companies operating in this space.
The letter bears the signatures of prominent lawmakers including Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), and mark Kelly (D-Arizona).As of the time of this report, neither Google nor Apple had provided a response to inquiries from The Epoch Times regarding these allegations.
