Ryan Haines / Android Authority OnePlus 13
OnePlus has seen better days in the US, but it’s still one of the best alternative brands in the market. Between the cutting-edge hardware and competitive pricing, these Android phones are great rivals to Samsung and Google’s devices.
However, two US lawmakers have reportedly asked the Commerce Department to investigate whether OnePlus phones are sending data to China. This isn’t just potentially bad news for OnePlus; it could also have awful ramifications for US smartphone shoppers.
What’s this all about?
Joe Maring / Android Authority
The two lawmakers claimed that a commercial company’s analysis of OnePlus phones reveals that these devices “may potentially” collect and send user data to China. The politicians didn’t provide any evidence for these claims. They also asked the Commerce Department to specifically determine whether OnePlus devices were collecting and sending “sensitive personal information and screenshots.”
It’s worth noting that this request might not lead to an investigation in the first place. Furthermore, an investigation won’t necessarily translate into a ban on OnePlus phones. If the company is guilty of sending user data to China, it might have to make remedial changes instead. However, recent history suggests that the US could crack down on OnePlus even if it’s playing by the rules.
TikTok seemingly did everything right, but it's still the target of US ire. Will the same fate befall OnePlus?
The Biden administration cracked down on TikTok despite the short video platform striking a deal with Oracle in 2022 to handle US users’ data. President Donald Trump has also repeatedly extended a deadline for TikTok to be sold or face a ban.
Therefore, it isn’t a stretch to imagine a OnePlus sales ban even if the company isn’t mishandling customer data. This would be horrible news for consumers.
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