Disclaimer: I might be out of the loop here, and my questions come from a surface-level exploration of the current discussions around the TikTok ban and related issues. I have huge sympathy for those affected by the ban, so this is not justifying the ban at all.
So, I’ve recently learned that China bans all major American apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, citing “national security” and the need to maintain control over information. At the same time, their apps like TikTok and WeChat are widely available in the U.S. and other open-market countries, raking in billions and expanding their influence globally.
What I don’t understand is why this lack of reciprocity hasn’t been a bigger issue. China blocks foreign apps under the guise of “national security,” yet when the U.S. raises the same concerns about Chinese apps, like potential data sharing with the Chinese government, there’s massive backlash. It’s framed as censorship or a violation of free speech here, while China faces no criticism for outright banning foreign platforms.
Why are we so accommodating? Shouldn’t there be equal access or similar restrictions on their apps if they don’t play by the same rules? It feels like China is benefiting disproportionately, closing its digital borders while exploiting ours to grow its tech giants.
Are we stuck allowing this imbalance because of Western values like free markets and free speech? Or is fighting fire with fire the right thing?
submitted by /u/perplex1
[link] [comments]
r/NoStupidQuestions Disclaimer: I might be out of the loop here, and my questions come from a surface-level exploration of the current discussions around the TikTok ban and related issues. I have huge sympathy for those affected by the ban, so this is not justifying the ban at all. So, I’ve recently learned that China bans all major American apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, citing “national security” and the need to maintain control over information. At the same time, their apps like TikTok and WeChat are widely available in the U.S. and other open-market countries, raking in billions and expanding their influence globally. What I don’t understand is why this lack of reciprocity hasn’t been a bigger issue. China blocks foreign apps under the guise of “national security,” yet when the U.S. raises the same concerns about Chinese apps, like potential data sharing with the Chinese government, there’s massive backlash. It’s framed as censorship or a violation of free speech here, while China faces no criticism for outright banning foreign platforms. Why are we so accommodating? Shouldn’t there be equal access or similar restrictions on their apps if they don’t play by the same rules? It feels like China is benefiting disproportionately, closing its digital borders while exploiting ours to grow its tech giants. Are we stuck allowing this imbalance because of Western values like free markets and free speech? Or is fighting fire with fire the right thing? submitted by /u/perplex1 [link] [comments]
Disclaimer: I might be out of the loop here, and my questions come from a surface-level exploration of the current discussions around the TikTok ban and related issues. I have huge sympathy for those affected by the ban, so this is not justifying the ban at all.
So, I’ve recently learned that China bans all major American apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, citing “national security” and the need to maintain control over information. At the same time, their apps like TikTok and WeChat are widely available in the U.S. and other open-market countries, raking in billions and expanding their influence globally.
What I don’t understand is why this lack of reciprocity hasn’t been a bigger issue. China blocks foreign apps under the guise of “national security,” yet when the U.S. raises the same concerns about Chinese apps, like potential data sharing with the Chinese government, there’s massive backlash. It’s framed as censorship or a violation of free speech here, while China faces no criticism for outright banning foreign platforms.
Why are we so accommodating? Shouldn’t there be equal access or similar restrictions on their apps if they don’t play by the same rules? It feels like China is benefiting disproportionately, closing its digital borders while exploiting ours to grow its tech giants.
Are we stuck allowing this imbalance because of Western values like free markets and free speech? Or is fighting fire with fire the right thing?
submitted by /u/perplex1
[link] [comments]