As the movement to ban the popular video-sharing app heats up in Washington, progressive lawmakers have emerged as TikTok’s fiercest defenders in the Capitol.
A handful of left-leaning lawmakers, including members of the so-called “squad,” have voiced their support for TikTok and their opposition to the platform’s ban, along with voices from bipartisan members who believe the app should be banned in the United States. joined the coalition.
Anti-TikTok banners advocate broader conversation about data privacy and social media, acknowledging that the app raises concerns but arguing that a focus on TikTok will not alleviate the problems at hand Members also point to free speech concerns and the practical and political benefits that come with the platform.
“What you see [the] On behalf of the First Amendment, and two more importantly, we want to do something on all social media platforms regarding data privacy,” said Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI). , the former chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told Hill at the Capitol last week.
However, the group has not formally discussed the issue, he said, supporting that supporters “just happen to be” within the caucuses.
Congress’ campaign to ban TikTok reached a fever pitch last month when the app’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, testified before a House committee for five hours. Lawmakers from both parties hit him hard over concerns about national security, data privacy, dissemination of misinformation and child safety.
TikTok is owned by China-based company ByteDance, and some lawmakers have raised concerns that the app could be subject to Chinese laws regarding its handling of US data. I’m here.
Lawmakers in both houses are backing bills that would either ban the app or allow it in the Biden administration, if desired. But a small but growing group of Democrats and at least one Republican of his own — Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky — has opposed the ban and won high stakes over social media. is setting the stage for a clash ofwe
Call for an “inclusive conversation” on social media
Some of TikTok’s progressive defenders have called for a “holistic conversation” about all internet platforms, arguing the app raises the same concerns as other social media companies.
“We have seen many examples of harmful data privacy and misinformation tactics by large social media companies, but so far, no outright ban on the platform has been considered,” said Rep. Cori Bush. D-Mo.) said in a statement. “I have concerns about the potential privacy and disinformation risks that TikTok poses, but I also have similar concerns about Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and other for-profit social media companies. ”
Rep. Jamal Bowman (DN.Y.) was the first high-profile member of Congress to endorse the app amid a campaign to ban TikTok, and at a press conference last month voiced the same concerns along with TikTok’s creators. bottom.
“Have a comprehensive discussion of the federal laws, the laws necessary to ensure that people using social media platforms are safe, that their information is safe, and that their information is not shared or sold to third parties. Let’s do it,” said TikTok user Bowman. Said himself.
But that argument has come under scrutiny. Darrell West, a senior fellow at the Brookings Center for Technology Innovation, told The Hill that while other social media companies “collect vast amounts of data about their customers,” concerns about TikTok are owned by the Chinese. said it is at a higher level because based company.
“They collect a lot of information about consumers,” West said of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. What information is being shared with Chinese authorities? “
“Facebook is not active in China, so there is little risk of that,” he added.
Some Say TikTok Ban Doesn’t Address Immediate Concerns
Lawmakers argue that banning TikTok will not help address immediate concerns about how much data social media companies can collect.
“For me, the solution here is not to ban individual companies, but to actually protect Americans from this kind of terrible data collection that companies can do without your significant ability to say no. to do,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DN.Y.).
A congressman posted the first video on TikTok last month to speak out against the ban.
At a press conference with the TikTok creators last month, Pocan said: But when people say they want TikTok banned, that’s not what’s being addressed. “
Brookings Fellow West agrees with this sentiment, saying, “Banning one app doesn’t address the range of privacy and security concerns out there.”
Practical and political benefits of TikTok
Progressive also cites TikTok’s practical and political advantages in opposing the ban.
Bowman, Pocan, and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-California) held a press conference with the creators of TikTok last month to outline how the app has helped accelerate small businesses and create communities.
“TikTok is different for different people,” said Garcia, who called himself a “TikTok superconsumer.” “First and foremost, it’s entertainment and it’s fun.”
“But what you have to think about is what you’ve done for small businesses, all these content creators, brands, companies across the country, and the profile that’s elevating it’s really coming back into the system. It’s the amount of revenue. The number of people who don’t have the same voice on other platforms,” he added.
Lawmakers also recognize the power TikTok has when it comes to talking to voters. Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.), who opposes the TikTok ban, called the app a “surprising organizational tactic” and said Bush “has served as a platform for organizing.”
some have speculate that the Democrats may oppose He decided to ban TikTok for fear of losing support among Generation Z voters.
Asked about the idea last week, Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-Florida) — who last year made history by becoming the first Gen Z to be elected to Congress — told reporters: “
“There are real concerns about data and privacy, but the same concerns exist with all big tech, all social media, and I think it’s important to look into that,” he added.
L.awmakers ask for more information
Lawmakers opposing the TikTok ban also said they wanted more information. .
“Usually, when the United States proposes a very large move involving significant risks to national security, one of the first things that happens is Congress receives a confidential briefing,” said Ocasio-Cortez. increase. “And I can tell you that Congress has not received a confidential briefing on allegations of national security risks on TikTok.”
“So why would you propose a ban when you have absolutely no clue about such a serious issue? It just doesn’t feel right to me,” she added.
FBI Director Christopher Wray testified last month that TikTok was “screaming” over national security concerns, and Secretary of State Anthony Brinken said the platform was a national security threat and that it “would end in one way or another.” I should let it go,” he said.
However, Bush said he has not seen any evidence to support such claims.
“As members of Congress, we have never been briefed, classified or otherwise, on the national security risks TikTok poses and, at this time, there is not enough evidence to justify a nationwide ban. I haven’t seen it,” she said in a statement.
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