Judge Temporarily Blocks Ban on WeChat in the U.S.

According to a report released by Reuters, the US Department of Commerce's ban on WeChat operations in the US was suspended by a US judge.

Source: Reuters

According to reports, since Trump issued a presidential decree on August 6, prohibiting U.S. companies from conducting commercial transactions with WeChat, and requiring mobile app stores such as Apple and Google to remove WeChat in the U.S., a non-profit organization representing the interests of WeChat users" The “ WeChat User Alliance of the United States ” has issued a request for a lawsuit, hoping that the court can stop it before the ban takes effect.

On September 19th, Federal District Court Judge Laurel Biller in California stated at the hearing that the presidential order against WeChat in August, and the detailed rules issued by the US Department of Commerce on the 18th, "constitutes an obstacle" to the freedom of speech enjoyed by the American people.

Regarding the accusation by the Trump administration that "WeChat threatens the national security of the United States", Laurel believes that this statement is "not specific enough" and does not explain how the ban on WeChat will protect the national interests of the United States.

Subsequently, Laurel issued a temporary injunction on the implementation rules issued by the US Department of Commerce on the 20th.

According to Reuters, when the U.S. Department of Justice issued the detailed rules for the implementation of the ban on the 18th, Laurier asked Laurel not to prevent the issuance of the rules, but Laurel eventually chose to prevent the implementation of the rules.

According to reports, Laurel also recognized to a certain extent the Trump administration’s allegations of “threatening US national security” against China. She believes that China’s threats to US technology and mobile communications are “very significant”, but the evidence is insufficient for the ban on WeChat.

In addition, Laurel's decision is directed at the implementation details of the ban on WeChat issued by the US Department of Commerce, not an executive order issued by Trump.

According to U.S. media reports, the U.S. courts at all levels have the power to issue temporary injunctions against executive orders, but there are only three ways to repeal an executive order, mainly when the president himself announces its repeal, the U.S. Congress lawfully repeals it, or the U.S. Supreme Court makes an judgment. According to reports and American history, there are not many cases where the presidential executive order can be successfully abolished.

Source: 外媒：美政府对WeChat禁令被一法官暂停

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