WASHINGTON — TikTok, an app with 150 millions of users in the US, has not had any allies on Capitol Hill against the growing movement for its ban. This seems to be changing.
Rep. Jamaal, a New York Democrat has been reelected on the platform owned by China. He will host a press conference Wednesday at Capitol with dozens of TikTok content creators in order to present the case for U.S. protection of the app.
Bowman defended TikTok in a Tuesday interview. He denounced legislation that would ban the app.
“This is where these creators have found a place to share their ideas and their inspirations with the rest the country and the world. Bowman explained to NBC News, “And why would we want that taken away?” “Why should we ban a platform that 150 millions Americans use?”
There are many Chinese apps on our phones at the moment. Bowman said that the notion that “Oh, TikTok the boogeyman” is a part of political fearmongering, which has been happening. He posts often on the video-sharing site and has a large following. He said that TikTok criticism was similar to Republican fearmongering about an “open frontier” and the debt limit as well as “xenophobia surrounding China.”
He said that he had not seen any evidence that TikTok was committing espionage. “What I have heard is speculation. “What I have heard is speculation.”
Bowman is now the most prominent TikTok ally on Capitol Hill. These remarks come days before TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will testify before Congress’ House Energy and Commerce Committee. This is expected to be a contentious hearing. Chew will be making his first appearance at Capitol Hill after the company falls behind in Washington.
Both political parties have critics who claim the app poses risks to national security as well as data privacy, since it is controlled effectively by China’s government at a time when tensions are rising between the U.S.A. and China.
Bowman and TikTok users will be joined by Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), whose office stated that he intends to attend the press conference.
Jamal Brown, TikTok spokesperson, stated that they appreciate Congress’ support and will continue to work to create a safe, secure and innovative platform for the 1 billion people who know us best.
Senator Mark Warner, D. Virginia, is the chairman of the Intelligence Committee. He said that Americans’ TikTok data can be protected from possible spying by China. However, it “doesn’t pass the sniff test” because of a Chinese law that obliges companies to first and foremost the Chinese Communist Party.
Warner said Monday that he was concerned about the possibility of the app being used to manipulate and propagandize at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast. He said that if the app is banned, the market could produce a new product without being controlled by any “authoritarian regime.”
Bowman replied to a question about Warner’s claim that a new app could replace TikTok. It could happen. Let’s close Facebook and force Mark Zuckerberg into creating a new platform.
“When we consider American companies such as Facebook, which looked the other way in 2016, when Russia conspired to influence our election, Facebook is a national security threat. Bowman stated that it was not necessary to ban Facebook and called it “ill-advised”.
Bowman instead called for more regulations to social media companies. This would “end large tech monopolies” as well as “give people a choice” on a popup screen whenever they log on. It will ask them whether their data can be shared.
Bipartisan legislation was signed by President Joe Biden in December to ban the app from government devices. He has endorsed a bill to allow the administration to regulate foreign-produced platforms . This is if the Chinese owners of the app don’t sell their shares.
Bowman stated that TikTok’s ban would pose political dangers to Biden as he prepares for a reelection campaign. He also cited the app’s popularity among young voters, which Biden and Democrats both “already struggle with.”
The New York congressman stated that he believes the more people learn about TikTok, the more they will stand up to defend it. Let me be clear: If there is any information that shows TikTok to be a problem, then I will admit I was wrong. That is something I don’t mind saying. “I haven’t yet seen this information.”
