But assumes that american companies having that power is not. That's the red scare part.

You’re misconstruing the argument. American citizens don’t elect Chinese politicians, I don’t want the Chinese government to have my data. I don’t want the American government to either, but at least I can vote for my American government.

This gov't must really make you feel safe then. I remember people saying Bush made them feel safe. That played out well. You know what makes me feel safe? Making my own decisions.

American companies are subject to US law and US citizens are protected by US law. What's the equivalent protection China provides?

Shadow bans.

There's ample evidence of China and other countries attempting to influence American events using social media and other means.

It's not a red scare if it is true. And it's not a red scare because China isn't being targeted here because they are Communist - they are being targeted because they are a geopolitical adversary. Russia would be treated in the same manner if some killer app came out of there, and they aren't Communist.

As a US citizen I have recourse against action by US companies and the government through both courts and the electoral process. What recourse do I have against action by Chinese entities?

this comment is either naive or in bad faith. I wonder how a moderately educated person can miss the difference between a propaganda machine operated by a geopolitical enemy and a for-profit company operating within the framework of national laws are different.

You can't miss that if you're even half smart or don't have an agenda.

I guess I'm somewhat of a consequentialist here because I haven't so far seen much of a practical difference between these two things.