Categories: NewsTech

Trump replies, “whatever” when asked if WeChat ban will affect iPhone sales

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that will prohibit TikTok and WeChat from operating in the U.S., with the apps’ parent companies reportedly given 90 days to sell. However, a number of significant players in the industry—including Apple and Disney—have reportedly voiced concerns over the economic consequences of the ban.

In fact, a recent Bloomberg report showed that the huge majority of iPhone users in China would prefer to switch away from their iPhones, rather than miss out on WeChat. 95 percent of 1.2 million respondents is a huge, huge number—and it certainly makes a lot of sense, with WeChat’s popularity in the region.

When Bloomberg reporter put forward these concerns regarding the ban on WeChat to President Trump at a recent press conference, the president was unfazed, replying: “Whatever.” The president brushed away the question, arguing that the executive order is for the “security of our country”, blaming China for letting them down.

For some context, this is an excerpt from the executive order:

There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that ByteDance Ltd., an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“ByteDance”), through acquiring all interests in musical.ly, an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“Musical.ly”), might take action that threatens to impair the national security
of the United States.

Initially, ByteDance and Tencent were given 45 days to sell TikTok and WeChat to continue operations in the U.S., although the deadline has now reportedly been extended to the 12th of November 2020. At the moment, Microsoft and Twitter have been rumoured to be in talks with ByteDance to acquire TikTok, although nothing concrete has been confirmed just yet.

Concerns over the ban could extend to non-Americans, too. The order covers dealings between U.S. companies and TikTok/WeChat, which means that users in international markets might not have access to the two popular apps. In addition to the huge China market, this could lead to huge losses for American companies worldwide—including Google and Apple.

TikTok’s meteoric rise in recent years, meanwhile, needs little introduction. In fact, browsing through the app, the number of users calling for the future ban to be cancelled seemingly shows that public opinion is against the order. However, if history is any indication (read: Huawei), the U.S. government looks set to push through the executive order.

[ SOURCE , 2 , VIA , IMAGE SOURCE ]

Recent Posts

WhatsApp Voice Message Transcripts converts voice into text

WhatsApp has introduced a new Voice Message Transcripts feature which allows users to easily convert…

6 hours ago

Every Transaction Could Make You a Monthly Millionaire – Here’s How with Maybank’s MAE

This post is brought to you by Maybank. Unlock more than just transactions with MAE’s…

17 hours ago

Oppo Find X8 series: Launching in Malaysia on 30th November 2024, priced from RM3,699

After making its debut in China late last month, the Oppo Find X8 series has…

21 hours ago

Hyundai Ioniq 9: The brand’s first 3-row electric SUV, offers up to 429hp and 620km of range

Hyundai has officially unveiled the new Ioniq 9 which marked yet another expansion to its…

22 hours ago

BMW Group leads Malaysia’s premium EV segment, long term certainty needed for local assembly

BMW Group remains bullish in its commitment to drive sustainable mobility across the Southeast Asian…

1 day ago

Dongfeng Box Malaysia: First public test drive event is happening on 23 to 24 Nov

After completing its 45,000km road test in Malaysia earlier this year, Dongfeng Box will finally…

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.