The popular video app TikTok is actively lobbying against a
proposed bill that could force its Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell off
its U.S. operations. Lawmakers have expressed national security concerns over
potential censorship and data privacy issues with a geopolitical rival like
China controlling such an influential social media platform.
TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide,
and nearly a third of those are based in America. The short-form video format
has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially among younger
demographics that are highly sought after by advertisers. However, some U.S.
officials argue the app could be compelled to censor content or share user data
with the Chinese government.
The bill in question would give ByteDance 165 days to
finalize a sale to an American company before TikTok would be banned throughout
the country. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has been meeting with senators on Capitol
Hill this week to advocate against the proposal and assure them of the
company's independence from Beijing. TikTok has also notified its U.S. users
about the pending legislation through the app and urged them to contact their
political representatives.
Critics of the forced sale approach have various motivations
for opposing it. Former President Donald Trump, who initially tried to ban
TikTok last year, claims it would strengthen Facebook's market dominance which
he views negatively. Tech billionaire Elon Musk argues the bill could set a
problematic precedent for restricting private businesses over vague national
security concerns. Both men wield influence within the Republican party that
controls the Senate.
However, intelligence and national security experts see the
risks differently. This week, officials from agencies like the FBI, Justice
Department and Office of the Director of National Intelligence are briefing
senators on their assessments of the threats. A recent report from ODNI alleged
TikTok has been leveraged to influence U.S. elections and public discourse at
the behest of the Chinese Communist Party.
With the vote nearing on Wednesday, the political dynamics
in play are complex. While TikTok's lobbying efforts include notifying users
through the app to contact their representatives, that approach could inflame
concerns about its influence over Americans. The security arguments carry
serious weight in an increasingly strained U.S.-China relationship as well. The
outcome of the vote will have massive implications for both the future of the
short video platform and broader geopolitics between the two economic
superpowers.
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