China uses these three global apps, games to 'spy' on users, claims study

Chinese apps

Bytedance’s popular app TikTok is facing a ban in the US, unless it finds a buyer. One of the key reasons why US is cracking down on TikTok remains the allegation that user data isn’t safe and China uses it to ‘spy’ on people. Now, an Australia-based research organisation has said that China monitors global internet users online through various other apps and games.

According to a study conducted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute — funded by the government of Australia among others — the Chinese government pushes its propaganda by gathering personal data from many popular apps and games.

It also warned that TikTok isn’t the only concern when it comes to collecting data and sharing it with Chinese authorities as the problem lies beyond the popular app.

The study highlights three major apps and games — the widely popular Genshin Impact, the ride-hailing app Didi and the popular e-commerce platform Temu. China, according to the study wants to harvest valuable data from media, gaming and other tech. The study notes that China is “working to extend its influence abroad to reshape the global information ecosystem … to strengthen its grip on power, legitimise its activities and bolster China’s cultural, technological, economic and military influence.”

The report further explains how with Temu, China could gather data on how users make decisions. “If China is trying to shape the way that the world perceives and understands truth and reality, then this data will help to make those efforts more successful over time.”

According to the study, policymakers across the world need to “develop robust defenses and countermeasures to safeguard against future information campaigns orchestrated by Beijing.”