Chinese Imitators Quick to Exploit Popularity of Blocked U.S. Chatroom App

China’s internet sector has reacted swiftly to the sudden popularity of American audio drop-in app Clubhouse, with at least two similar apps rolled out since it was blocked in China earlier this month.

A similar app called “Now,” developed by internet startup Tianjin Xiaochuan Technology Co. Ltd., was made available on in Apple Inc.’s App Store last weekend, and its functional design and interface are very similar to those of Clubhouse.