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Amid accusations that they're collaborating with the Chinese government, China-based tech companies are facing increased scrutiny abroad. Many of them deny any involvement in such activity, and Alibaba in particular previously slammed the U.S's treatment of Huawei as "extremely unfair." But a recent report from Reuters accuses Alibaba of developing a propaganda app for the Chinese government. The app was reportedly the most popular one on Apple's Chinese app store last week, and Alibaba has refused to comment on the report so far.
The app, which includes short videos, government news stories and quizzes, was created by an Alibaba team. A user of Alibaba’s own messaging app DingTalk can use their login credentials to log into Xuexi Qiangguo. Alibaba said the app was built using DingTalk’s software... At least part of the app's runaway popularity can be attributed to directives issued by local governments and universities that require people in China's expansive party member network to download the app. The app has been downloaded over 43.7 million times on Apple and Android devices since its launch in January, according to estimates by Beijing-based statistical consulting firm Qimai. It was not immediately clear whether Alibaba makes money from the app, or who initiated its development.
The app, which includes short videos, government news stories and quizzes, was created by an Alibaba team. A user of Alibaba’s own messaging app DingTalk can use their login credentials to log into Xuexi Qiangguo. Alibaba said the app was built using DingTalk’s software... At least part of the app's runaway popularity can be attributed to directives issued by local governments and universities that require people in China's expansive party member network to download the app. The app has been downloaded over 43.7 million times on Apple and Android devices since its launch in January, according to estimates by Beijing-based statistical consulting firm Qimai. It was not immediately clear whether Alibaba makes money from the app, or who initiated its development.