Chinese apps like TikTok, WeChat, and AliExpress are facing allegations of data theft, leading to a complaint filed in the European Union that could result in a ban.
Chinese app: Concerns regarding the security of digital data and user privacy are growing worldwide. Chinese apps, in particular, have been the subject of continuous controversy. Now, once again, major Chinese apps like TikTok, WeChat, and AliExpress are facing serious allegations, and the matter has reached the level of the European Union (EU). noyb, an Austria-based data privacy advocacy group, has filed a complaint against these apps, casting a shadow over their future.
What are the allegations?
noyb (None of Your Business) alleges that these Chinese apps are violating European data protection rules, especially GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). The main accusations are threefold:
- Failure to provide users with the option to download their data, which is mandatory under GDPR.
- Transfer of sensitive user data to China, which may be illegal under European laws.
- Lack of clear transparency, leaving users unaware of where, how, and why their data is being used.
European Union Policies and Potential Action
Under GDPR, every user has the right to access, download, and, if desired, delete their personal data. If a company fails to do so, it may face heavy fines or bans. noyb has filed an official complaint against six Chinese companies in this regard and has requested the EU to review the services of these companies with immediate effect. If the allegations are found to be true in the investigation, apps like TikTok, WeChat, and AliExpress could be banned in European countries.
Data Security Breach: An Old Problem in the Tech World
Allegations of data theft and improper data storage against Chinese apps are not new. In India, more than 100 Chinese apps, including TikTok, have been banned since 2020, primarily due to concerns related to user data security and national security. WeChat and AliExpress have also faced questions regarding ambiguity in data collection and usage in the past. Now, the same problems are being repeated in Europe.
noyb: An Active Warrior in the Data Privacy Battle
noyb is an independent advocacy group founded by data privacy expert Max Schrems. The organization has previously filed lawsuits against American giants such as Apple, Google (Alphabet), and Meta. noyb believes that digital platforms should fully comply with the privacy laws of any country, regardless of the company's origin.
Potential Impact: Changes in the European Technology Market
If the European Union takes strict action based on these complaints, the business operations of these apps could become difficult in Europe. This would not only cause financial losses to these companies but also force European consumers to look for alternatives to these apps. It is also possible that other countries' governments may be inspired by this complaint and initiate their own investigations. For countries like India, this could be an example of how data privacy is being strictly enforced at a global level.
Why Should Users Be Cautious?
- Read the privacy policy of any app before installing it.
- Check what permissions the app requests.
- Be wary if the app does not have an option to download your data.
- Look for alternative apps that comply with your language, country, and security laws.
