Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Companies like Google and Facebook CHOOSE to not operate in China because they don't want to follow the the laws that Chinese companies are following. They're not banned, they're not allowed to operate unless they comply with local laws. Just like they wouldn't be allowed to operate in Europe if they didn't show a Cookie pop-up. It's not like they're not allowed to operate in China because they're American apps.

The US should make the data collection itself illegal for everyone and be done with it. They're currently walking this weird path where the exact same data collection is fine if it's Americans doing. It's not one set of rules for everyone.



False

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/042915/why-f...

Any source to backup your claim?

> The US should make the data collection itself illegal for everyone and be done with it. They're currently walking this weird path where the exact same data collection is fine if it's Americans doing. It's not one set of rules for everyone.

Data collection is NOT the issue.

Foreign govt interference is the issue. If tomorrow Google were controlled by a hostile foreign govt., they would face the same bans.


But your link (the NYT times) says exactly what I said. They don't comply with local laws, which is why they're not accessible there. Not sure what else to tell you. Even Facebook's official comment is, which can be found if you follow the links you've posted:

“We need to figure out a solution that is in line with our principles and what we want to do, and in line with the laws there, or else it’s not going to happen. Right now, there isn’t an intersection.”

> Foreign govt interference is the issue. If tomorrow Google were controlled by a hostile foreign govt., they would face the same bans.

So it _is_ simply because it's foreign. How long do you think Google would survive in the US if it didn't comply with US requests? It does comply with requests and three letter agencies have access to data (as per Edward Snowden).

If your stance is that it's fine when we do it but not when others do it then that's just what it is.


> But your link (the NYT times) says exactly what I said.

No, it doesn’t. Read again. Was a fair trial held? No. End of story.

CCP does not rule according to laws. The only laws are CCP’s words and now Do’s words.

And you have a false equivalence here. TikTok has CCP board members and is not banned for US citizens.

> So it _is_ simply because it's foreign. How long do you think Google would survive in the US if it didn't comply with US requests? It does comply with requests and three letter agencies have access to data (as per Edward Snowden).

For a while. There would be court cases. Companies refuse US govt requests all the time and fight it in a court of law. A Snowden equivalent in China would be killed and not just a fugitive.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: