OnePlus Faces Backlash for Allegedly Sending Data to China

Key Takeaways

1. OnePlus is facing allegations from US lawmakers about sending user data to servers in China without permission.
2. The claims involve newer OnePlus models, including the OnePlus Pad 3 and OnePlus 13, priced at $999.99.
3. The specific details of the allegations regarding data transmission remain unclear.
4. Lawmakers have not provided evidence to support their claims against OnePlus.
5. A call for investigation into OnePlus has been made to the US Commerce Department’s Office of Information Communications Technology and Services.

In the past five years, several Chinese firms have found themselves in the middle of the growing tensions between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States (US). Among these, Huawei is the most notable name facing sanctions, but companies like DJI and Xiaomi have also faced scrutiny, among others.

Allegations Against OnePlus

Recently, the Chair of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has targeted OnePlus. In a bipartisan effort led by John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi, they claim that OnePlus devices send user information to servers in China. This includes newer models such as the OnePlus Pad 3 and the OnePlus 13, which is currently priced at $999.99 on Amazon. The main issue raised is that OnePlus is allegedly doing this without obtaining permission from users beforehand.

Lack of Clarity on the Issues

At this point, neither Moolenaar nor Krishnamoorthi has elaborated on the specifics of their concerns. They mention the potential transfer of ‘sensitive personal information and screenshots’ by OnePlus. As a result, it remains uncertain what steps users of OnePlus devices can take to prevent any data transmission, assuming the claims made by Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi are accurate.

Call for Investigation

So far, Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi have not provided any proof to back up their allegations. However, they are urging the Office of Information Communications Technology and Services (OICTS) within the US Commerce Department to look into OnePlus based on these claims.

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