How Banning WeChat Could Harm New York City's Chinese Restaurants

This week, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from immediately banning a pair of Chinese-owned apps in the United States: TikTok and WeChat. But while many Americans may be more familiar with the viral-video-sharing TikTok, WeChat is a cornerstone of Chinese communities in the U.S., and throughout the world. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's also become a lifeline for New York City's Chinese restaurants.

While WeChat is the third-largest messaging app in the world, that category doesn't quite capture its all-inclusive design. The app also includes social media functions similar to Twitter and was equipped with the tools to directly transfer money between users long before Venmo. It's also become one of the best hubs for New York City's Chinese community to review restaurants, and even allows people to order food directly, without owners having to pay the fees charged by apps like Seamless and Grubhub.

In a recent story for Eater, documentarian and food writer Tony Lin says the app has become a direct and critical line between Chinese restaurants and their customers.

"You know that people who join the WeChat group not only they love Chinese food, they know how to order their food, and they're definitely willing to pay for good Chinese food," Lin told WNYC's Sean Carlson.

For the full conversation, click "Listen."