China has proven the case for the TikTok ban bill to Congress after Chinese embassy officials reportedly recently lobbied against the plan.
News of the opposing nation’s push against the bill was reported Wednesday by Politico after more than a year of congressional deliberations on the issue. The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill in mid-March that, if passed, would require TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the app within 180 days or face a be banned in the United States.
The core of the concerns surrounding this massive social media app comes from reported ties between ByteDance and the Chinese government. ByteDance critics — including former TikTok employees — have accused the company of funneling sensitive information about U.S. users to China, even after TikTok assured lawmakers that its trove of data from U.S. users were safe.
Additionally, surveys have shown that more than 100 million monthly U.S. TikTok users turn to the platform for information. Given recent reports that China is using social media to influence Taiwan’s elections, congressional officials like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have expressed concerns that China could use TikTok to interfere in the next elections of 2024.
TikTok itself has waged all-out war against the bill in recent months, urging its US-based users to contact their local lawmakers to vote against it – even CEO Shou Zi Chew traveled to Washington, D.C., to join in lobbying. effort.
Members of Congress have reportedly already been frustrated by TikTok’s digital advocacy to users before the House voted on the ban. The Chinese embassy’s private pressure against the bill will likely only reinforce the legislature’s contempt for TikTok.
President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk, even though it could hurt his re-election bid.
businessinsider
