Americans hooked on Chinese apps

News Summary

  • Yes, but: While an increasing number of Chinese apps are becoming popular to download, these apps still struggle to provide American users with the same sense of daily utility as those made by U.S. companies.
  • Why it matters: Mobile apps are one of the most powerful vectors for expanding trade and exporting soft power, given how widely accessible they are, how much time is spent on them, and how little regulatory oversight there is online.
  • The standoff between the U.S. government and TikTok underscores a growing problem for policymakers: Chinese apps are booming in America, but most U.S. apps aren't able to operate in China.
  • Driving the news: In the past 30 days, four of the top 10 most-downloaded apps in the U.S. across Apple's iOS store and the Google Play store are owned by Chinese companies.
  • The big picture: The tension between China and Washington has come to a head over the national security risks that U.S. imports of foreign technology could pose.Go deeper: TikTok's fate may be decided by the courts
  • Be smart: Last week's Congressional hearing showed how much bipartisan angst there is around TikTok's growing footprint.
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