In a Commerce-driven process, the Trump Admin moves towards TikTok and WeChat bans, starting by blocking downloads and upgrades from the Google and Apple libraries.
US companies will also have to stop using WeChat for payments. Some thoughts:
google.com/amp/s/www.cnbc…
Via Sec. Ross, looks like a complete ban on TikTok wont take effect until post election and there might still be a way for a deal before that deadline.
This move signals that the proposed Bytedance-Oracle merger is insufficient — as I told @TonyaJoRiley washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/…
Let’s look at what’s actually being blocked on Sunday. Per the Commerce Dept note, starting Sunday, no distribution or updates to TikTok or WeChat via online mobile app stores (Google, Apple).
And businesses can’t use WeChat for payments.
Also on Sunday for WeChat and on November 12 for TikTok, four more sweeping prohibitions:
On TikTok, the Trump Admin has put itself between a rock and a hard place by over-dramatizing the process, provoking expansive AI export controls from China that make a reasonable acquisition challenging to pull off.
TikTok’s response appeals to the 100 million US users and promises transparency.
Offers third-party audits, code security reviews, and USG oversight of US data security. Smelling more and more like the Huawei in UK model. Though TikTok previously offered source code to USG.
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