Economist Podcasts Stumbling block: the battle over WeChat
Sep 22, 2020
Hal Hodson, The Economist's Asia technology correspondent, dives into the complicated battle over WeChat and TikTok in the U.S., discussing their pivotal roles in American social life. Meanwhile, John Hooper, Italy and Vatican correspondent, sheds light on Italy's escalating migration crisis and the fragile political responses amidst growing tensions. They also touch on the intriguing rise of canned coffee in Japan, highlighting its cultural significance and market differences with America.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
WeChat Ban Impact
- Li Tang, living in New York, highlights the impact of a WeChat ban.
- A ban would sever their connection with China due to WhatsApp being blocked there.
Unprecedented WeChat Ban
- The Californian judge paused the WeChat ban to examine free speech implications.
- This is unprecedented, as a ban affects 3.5 million Chinese Americans who rely on WeChat.
WeChat's Broad Impact
- WeChat's broad functionality, from communication to finance, makes a ban impactful.
- It serves as the primary internet access for many, especially in China, where other services are blocked.