Photographer: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg
Photographer: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg
The Trump administration has asked a court to dismiss a lawsuit with WeChat users challenging restrictions in the U.S. on the Chinese-owned messaging app.
The long-running request comes three months after WeChat users urged a temporary judge stop the restrictions announced by President Donald Trump in August. The administration is appealing that ruling and a hearing is set for January.
Trump has voiced national security concerns about the Chinese government’s ability to access data through the app. The administration argues that U.S. courts have no authority to block the restrictions because the president and Congress have control over national security policy.
Claims by WeChat users that presidential violations of freedom of speech and free religious exercise should be lifted, the administration said in a court filing.
The issue is US WeChat Consumer Alliance v. Trump, 20-cv-5910, U.S. District Court, Northern California District (San Francisco).