Apps like grindr, tiktok, and FaceApp might pose security risks to the country since users could potentially provide personal and sensitive data about themselves. House national security subcommittee chairman Rep. Stephen Lynch sent letters to both Google and Apple inquiring whether or not they require app developers to reveal foreign affiliations with countries like China and Russia.
Personal data can potentially be used to blackmail U.S. citizens or exert undue influence on American government workers. The data can also be leveraged to profile U.S. citizens and used in future diplomatic and military battles.
Engadget notes that Google and Apple had not respond to the request, as of press time.