This is simply not an accurate response, and you are comparing apples to napalm.<p>Apple&#x2F;FB&#x2F;etc do in fact make it difficult to switch - by <i>adding value</i> to their offerings. Users become more and more entrenched as they enjoy the benefits of new features.  Oppressive governments, such as China, or any group committing espionage, promote specific paths by degrading opposing services. These are not related, and should not be confused.<p>One adds value (promoting healthy competition), the other uses coercive force.