China’s violations of human rights and the basic norms of internet freedom are blatant and obvious.
This month, with little fanfare, the country ordered Apple to block downloads of WhatsApp, Threads and Signal within its borders.
This new law, which gives TikTok roughly 270 days to find a new owner, is designed to change that.
But more fundamentally, it sends a message to the world: You cannot disregard basic internet norms and expect to be treated just like any other country.
Infrastructure is destiny, and on some level, the continuing struggle to control the internet is a struggle for the future of civilization.
Persons:
—, Biden
Organizations:
Apple, Carlyle Group, General Atlantic, Susquehanna International Group
Locations:
United States, Beijing