The Trump administration wants removal untrusted Chinese apps US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday August 8, 2020. During the conference he stated that the Trump administration seeking the removal of all on trusted Chinese CCP apps. Specifically, they are trying to apps such as TikTok and WeChat all US app stores including Google play and istore. The reason for the removal of these apps the security risk they posed any user. Due to the laws enacted by the Chinese Communist Party many of these apps can or do collect user data. Specifically, the app collects data beyond favorite search information but also send back personal information such a bank account.
Actions
The Trump administration goal in seeking the removal of untrusted Chinese apps is the creation of a clean network. A clean network is one where all active members agree to secure their critical telecommunications, 5G, mobile apps, and etc. This is the network the Trump administration hopes to create with the removal of untrusted apps. The member countries and/or companies would secure this network by removing any untrusted apps or programs. Specifically, this would be any app or program that could be used with malicious intent. Mike Pompeo stated during the press release stated that such a network was well on its way to completion. Pompeo praised the efforts of countries that have already band untrusted Chinese apps and Chinese cloud providers.
Additionally, he also called on these nations and “all freedom loving nations and companies join the clean network”. It is important to point out, that reason Chinese based apps are considered untrustworthy are the actions of the CCP. Leaving aside the numerous trade and territorial claims that the CCP has no right to make the apps are issue. Specifically, the CCP has passed laws that would compel willingly or otherwise Chinese owned companies participate in clandestine eye operation. In other words, any Chinese company can be used as a spy or support CCP spies. The information gathered also used to identify individuals that pose a threat to the CCP. Such tactics and their brutal aftermath is what the trump administration is trying to prevent with the removal of TikTok.