Former United States President Donald Trump is skeptical about the possibility of banning the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok in the country, arguing that the measure would only benefit tech giant Meta.
The ex-POTUS and likely Republican presidential contender remarked that a TikTok ban would boost Facebook, Meta's social media platform, which he views as "an enemy of the people."
Donald Trump acknowledged his concerns about TikTok's national security and data privacy but underlined its appeal to young consumers. There are around 150 million TikTok users in the United States, leading the world.
The Republican leader's change of heart follows the Trump administration's 2020 failed attempts to remove TikTok from US app stores over Chinese ownership and data sharing. TikTok's main firm, ByteDance, was ordered to sell the site within 90 days by the former president.
Despite arguing that TikTok posed a national security danger owing to Chinese ownership, Donald Trump said Facebook's impact is "very bad for our country," pointed out the social media platform's privacy and security vulnerabilities, and condemned its impact on US elections.
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump leaves the stage a the conclusion of a campaign rally at the Forum River Center March 09, 2024 in Rome, Georgia. (Photo : Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Biden Supports TikTok Ban
TechTimes reported that President Joe Biden will sign the RESTRICT Act into law when Congress passes it. Today, President Biden told the press that the proposal might impose a TikTok ban. He said, "If they pass it, I'll sign it," alluding to the House's bipartisan bill.
As his waiting period shows, the law must pass Congress before reaching President Biden's desk. After the President signs it, the RESTRICT Act will allow government agencies to identify and respond to foreign ICT threats.
The Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology Act (RESTRICT) has bipartisan support owing to senators' worries about TikTok's surveillance.
The committee last week approved the legislation, receiving unanimous support from US House Speaker Mike Johnson and a 50-0 vote. While the White House provided technical support, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre suggested additional refinement before President Joe Biden's potential approval.
The legislation mandates Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd. to divest TikTok and its affiliated apps within 180 days or face potential US restrictions. It grants executive authority to block national security-threatening applications from foreign adversaries. Johnson views the initiative as a bipartisan strategy to address China's economic and security concerns.
Critics Says TikTok Ban Violates First Amendment
Fears linger that China may compel TikTok to disclose US user data, allegations denied by TikTok with insufficient evidence from the US government.
Critics argue it jeopardizes free speech rights and small businesses. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) criticizes the bill as a pursuit of "cheap political points," emphasizing TikTok's role in communication and information exchange.
Committee Chairman Mike Gallagher underscores the imperative of preventing a geopolitical adversary from controlling a significant media platform, while Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasizes TikTok's perceived threats to national security.
This legislative proposal represents the latest effort to regulate TikTok and reflects persistent national security concerns. The White House emphasizes balancing participation and national security in light of TikTok's outreach. US government devices cannot use TikTok, but President Joe Biden's re-election campaign does. The TikTok prohibition measure seeks legislative changes, congressional endorsement, and further consideration.
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