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The most popular news app in America has a secret: it’s not as American as it appears. According to Reuters, NewsBreak, which bills itself as a local news platform serving more than 50 million monthly users, presents itself as a U.S.-based success story while concealing its Communist Chinese roots.
The app’s journey from Chinese subsidiary to American media powerhouse illustrates the complex web of international tech relationships. It is also forcing both consumers and legislators to ask “Exactly who is providing the news we consume?” Most would not have an issue reading the BBC, AFP or another news source. But apps controlled by an admitted adversary to the U.S., like NewsBreak, are raising alarm bells.
As reported by TechCrunch, the news company was founded in Mountain View, California, in 2015 by former Yahoo executive Jeff Zheng. Today, it maintains significant operations in Beijing and Shanghai.
READ: How China edited the Bible
This revelation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Chinese-owned apps operating in the United States. Voice of America reported that for two years, lawmakers have called for increased oversight of NewsBreak, citing concerns about the company’s historical ties to Chinese investors and its ongoing operations in China.
In late 2023, then-Representatives Mike Gallagher and Raja Krishnamoorthi, along with Representative Elise Stefanik, demanded closer examination of NewsBreak’s operations. According to Reuters, the bipartisan group raised alarms about the app’s Chinese connections and its ongoing presence in China. Their scrutiny came just before Gallagher’s departure from Congress. The next Congress is expected to resume the work.
A CNBC investigation revealed that more than 100 websites disguised as local news outlets across Europe, Asia, and Latin America are pushing pro-China content, suggesting a coordinated global influence campaign.
CNBC also reports that the Biden administration has launched investigations into major Chinese telecom companies over potential data security risks, indicating a broader push to scrutinize Chinese technology companies operating in the United States.
The stakes are particularly high given NewsBreak’s reach and influence. According to Reuters, the platform’s AI-generated content and vast user base have drawn increased attention from lawmakers concerned about potential misinformation risks.
NewsBreak launched in the U.S. as a subsidiary of Yidian, a Chinese news aggregation app, raising questions about data security and content control, according to VOA News. Both companies were founded by Jeff Zheng, highlighting the intricate connections between U.S. and Chinese technology enterprises.
As American media consumers download more apps, there is also more demand for transparency. The growing web connecting technology, national security and demand for news is creating pressure to examine who owns the companies behind the news. It is made increasingly urgent as China moves into the app stores.
Look for legislation to be authored in 2025, and likely signed into law by President Trump.
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice
With the assistance of Metro Voice’s research and copy editor AI assistant “Luke”.
