TikTok CEO Shou Chew faced intense questioning on Thursday regarding the potential influence of the Chinese government over the popular social media app. Chew was repeatedly asked if he could guarantee that Beijing has no control over TikTok, but he refused to provide a direct answer. As lawmakers consider a possible ban on the platform, Chew’s evasive responses have raised concerns about the app’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Chew’s refusal to address the issue directly has only fueled suspicions surrounding TikTok’s relationship with the CCP. Critics argue that the Chinese government could exploit its influence over the app’s parent company, Bytedance, to gain access to sensitive user data. Furthermore, the app’s immense popularity among young Americans has raised fears of a potential mass influence campaign orchestrated by the CCP.
Lawmakers have responded to these concerns by advancing a bill that would prohibit TikTok in the United States unless Bytedance divests from the app within 165 days of the bill’s passage. The legislation would also require TikTok to be acquired by a non-adversarial country. The bill recently passed the House with an overwhelming majority of 352-65.
Despite claims from Chew that Bytedance has no CCP ownership, skeptics remain unconvinced. They point to previous instances where TikTok has banned videos depicting the mistreatment of Uyghur Muslims and allegations of censorship of anti-Chinese government content. These incidents have only intensified worries about the app’s potential national security implications.
Opponents of the bill have also made their voices heard, inundating Congress with calls and messages in recent weeks. Some have even resorted to extreme measures, with reports of individuals threatening suicide during conversations with lawmakers’ offices. However, supporters of the legislation argue that the potential risks associated with TikTok outweigh any perceived benefits.
As the debate surrounding TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government continues, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will ultimately address the issue. The app’s immense popularity and its potential impact on national security have made it a contentious subject for both Republicans and Democrats. While some advocate for stricter regulations or an outright ban, others believe that measures can be taken to mitigate the risks without completely severing ties with the platform.
