
If you're searching for an alternative, Instagram's TikTok competitor, Reels, will begin testing in the US, this month. Social media platforms, by nature, aren't private, so Chinese social media platforms might just be the worst of both worlds. With this in mind, we came up with a shortlist of apps to use if you're concerned about your privacy and are looking for a substitute app, or your favorite app has just been banned. The Chinese app boycott can become rather inconvenient, especially if you got used to certain apps or services and never bothered to check who's behind them. Safe alternatives to the most popular Chinese apps Still, it's no reason to give away your data voluntarily.Īdditionally, with the recent crackdown on democratic rights in Hong Kong, the apps of service providers based in the city-state have become vulnerable to much of the surveillance that was already prevalent in mainland China. This isn't as extreme as their native propaganda app that grants the government direct root access to everything that's on your phone. There are many reports of China spying outside its borders by using innocent-looking apps. It's hard to say whether more major countries will ban TikTok or how the situation will unfold with the Chinese apps that are currently still available. It is no longer isolated to India's or USA's relation to China. In short, outrage at intrusive Chinese apps is widespread. The Tories in the UK are also currently asking for the TikTok ban. At the same time, Turkey launched a probe into TikTok. Even before the India ban, Australian MPs called for a ban on Chinese apps.

One month before, the government of India banned 59 apps, including TikTok, WeChat, and SHAREit. Trump isn't the first to challenge popular apps backed by Chinese companies. This will stop American companies from conducting business with TikTok, denying advertising revenue or licensing agreements. Lately, some of these have been creating quite a buzz in the press.įor example, last Wednesday, President Trump issued executive orders that will effectively ban TikTok in the US.

The Chinese government mines data through many means and methods, including the smartphones you use daily and their apps. It's a well-known fact that China is guilty of spying over its citizens.
