The NPR Politics Podcast TikTok CEO Heads To The Hill As Congress Mulls A Total Ban
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Mar 22, 2023 The CEO of TikTok is set to face Congress, as lawmakers weigh the future of the app amid rising national security concerns. Bipartisan fears have emerged about potential threats from its Chinese ownership and misinformation risks. The discussion also touches on the significant influence TikTok holds over young voters, raising questions about the political repercussions of any ban. As TikTok implements measures to protect U.S. user data, the pressure on tech regulation intensifies.
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TikTok's Massive Reach
- TikTok's reach is hard to overstate, being the most downloaded app globally last year.
- In the US alone, it boasts 150 million monthly active users, nearly half the population.
Dual Concerns about TikTok
- Concerns about TikTok are twofold: data practices and impact on young people.
- Data concerns stem from its Chinese ownership and potential access for surveillance or influence campaigns, while youth addiction is another worry.
Political Grandstanding and TikTok's Response
- Politicians use strong rhetoric against TikTok; Rep. Michael McCall called it "a spy balloon in your phone."
- TikTok rejects the "Chinese company" label, citing global investments and US headquarters, claiming data is already protected.