US-based WeChat users sue over Trump's 'unconstitutional' ban

Multiple groups are challenging executive orders targeting Chinese apps

U.S. President Donald Trump's executive orders targeting WeChat and TikTok are expected to be challenged in multiple court cases. (Source photos by AP and Reuters)

YIFAN YU, Nikkei staff writer

August 21, 2020 18:06 JST

Updated on August 22, 2020 11:59 JST

PALO ALTO, U.S. -- A group of WeChat users in the U.S. is launching a legal challenge to President Donald Trump's ban on the popular Chinese messaging app, arguing that the move violates their constitutional rights.

Trump signed two executive orders in early August banning U.S. transactions with WeChat, the messaging app owned by Tencent Holdings, and ByteDance, the owner of video app TikTok, effective Sept. 20.