A coalition of TikTok creators and three Democratic Party lawmakers in the United States expressed their strong opposition on Wednesday to any proposed ban on the popular Chinese-owned social media platform, which boasts over 150 million users in the country.
Tomorrow, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is scheduled to testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee amid rising concerns regarding national security, coinciding with increasingly strained relations between the United States and China.
During a press conference in Washington, Representatives Jamaal Bowman, Mark Pocan, and Robert Garcia, alongside TikTok creators, advocated for comprehensive privacy legislation that would apply to all major social media platforms.
“Why the hysteria and the panic and the targeting of TikTok?” posed Bowman. “Let’s focus on the right approach here—implementing robust social media reforms regarding privacy and security.”
Despite this opposition, many lawmakers are pushing for a ban on TikTok. Critics are concerned that user data from the platform could be accessed by the Chinese government. Last week, TikTok reported that the Biden administration has urged its Chinese owners to divest their interests or face potential bans.
Content creators shared their stories of engaging with followers through videos about baking and selling greeting cards, with some showcasing signs highlighting how TikTok supports small businesses. TikTok claims that around 5 million businesses utilize its platform.
Jason Linton, a TikTok creator who shares videos featuring his three adopted children in Oklahoma, appealed to legislators not to dismantle the community that has been cultivated on the platform. “I implore our politicians—do not take away the community we’ve all built, one that is lasting and loving,” Linton stated during the press conference.
Pocan argued that the movement to ban TikTok is fueled by a “xenophobic witch hunt” and emphasized, “Banning TikTok isn’t the solution. We need to ensure that Americans’ data is protected.”
On the Senate floor, Democratic Senator Ed Markey acknowledged TikTok as a threat that warrants attention but insisted it is not the sole surveillance risk for young people. He criticized a narrow focus that overlooks broader issues with Big Tech.
Additionally, Senator Mark Warner mentioned on Wednesday that two further senators have supported his bipartisan effort alongside Republican John Thune to grant the Biden administration enhanced authorities to ban TikTok.
“Congress must empower the administration with the tools necessary to assess and mitigate the risks posed by foreign technology from adversarial nations,” Warner stated.
© Thomson Reuters 2023
