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Judge Laurel Beeler, who issued the order, refers to a lawsuit filed by a group of Wechat users. Users argue that the ban would restrict the freedom of expression of the millions of Chinese-speaking Americans who have Wechat as their primary tool for communicating within the United States and with family and friends in China.
The Trump administration believes that the app poses a threat to the security of the United States because the company behind the app, Tencent, is entwined with the Chinese Communist Party. The US authorities believe that the Chinese regime may therefore use the communication app to spread propaganda, track users, and steal user data.
The judge’s order to stop the ban is temporary and, in practice, postpones the entry into force of the law. This means that China-owned apps that should have stopped in the US on Sunday, Wechat and the video app Tiktok, can still be downloaded.
Saturday began work on an agreement between Tiktok and American Oracle and Walmart. Under the agreement, software company Oracle will be the technical provider and responsible for the storage of US user data. The Walmart store chain will become a “business partner.”
“We are pleased to say that the proposed agreement between Tiktok, Oracle and Walmart will resolve the security concerns of the US government and resolve the future of Tiktok in the United States,” a Tiktok spokesman told AFP.
“I have given my blessing to the business,” said President Donald Trump.
For the agreement to be completed, it must be approved by the White House and by the US agency CFIUS, the Committee on Foreign Investment of the United States. China must also give its approval.
Following the announcement of Tiktok, the ban was postponed until Sunday, September 27. However, users should be able to use the app until November 12.
