If you’ve been following tech and political news, you might have heard about a deal between Apple and Alibaba that’s now facing serious scrutiny in the United States. The agreement would allow iPhones sold in China to use artificial intelligence (AI) features powered by Alibaba. However, U.S. lawmakers and officials from the Trump administration are raising questions about what this deal means for data privacy and national security.
According to a recent report by The New York Times, anonymous sources have said that White House officials and members of the House Select Committee on China have directly approached Apple executives. They asked how much data would be shared with Alibaba and whether Apple had made any promises to Chinese regulators. Surprisingly, the Apple representatives reportedly struggled to provide clear answers.
This lack of clarity has alarmed many. U.S. officials are concerned that the partnership could allow China to access sensitive user information through Alibaba’s systems. With China’s strict laws on data and foreign tech companies, some are worried about how user data might be handled or monitored once it crosses borders.
Political leaders speak out on national security
One of the strongest reactions came from Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a senior Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He called Alibaba “a poster child for the Chinese Communist Party’s military-civil fusion strategy.” He also said it was “alarming” that Apple had not been open about the agreement.
His remarks highlight ongoing concerns about China’s influence in global tech. The phrase “military-civil fusion” refers to China’s policy of combining civilian and military technologies, often blurring the line between private companies and state control. Krishnamoorthi’s comments suggest that Alibaba’s involvement raises deeper national security concerns beyond privacy.
Although Alibaba has publicly confirmed the deal, Apple has remained silent. This lack of communication only adds to the unease among U.S. lawmakers, demanding more transparency from the tech giant. They believe the public should know exactly what information might be shared and who can access it.
Ongoing tension between the U.S. and China
This is not Apple’s first time caught in political tensions between the United States and China. You might remember that the company has dealt with fluctuating tariffs in recent years, affecting production costs and market strategies. Now, this AI deal could become another point of contention.
As the relationship between the two countries remains strained, deals like this will likely face more intense examination. For Apple, maintaining strong business ties in China while staying on good terms with U.S. lawmakers is becoming increasingly difficult. The company relies heavily on the Chinese market for manufacturing and sales, making these political concerns hard to avoid.
It’s unclear whether Apple will respond publicly to the criticism or change the agreement. But with growing pressure from both sides, you can expect to hear more about this in the coming weeks.
