The Vergecast TikTok goes to Washington
6 snips
Mar 24, 2023 
Makena Kelly, a policy reporter at The Verge, sheds light on TikTok's intense congressional hearing, pinpointing lawmakers' biases and the contentious debate over data privacy. The discussion dives into how misinformation, exemplified by TikTok’s misleading claims about health treatments, poses challenges for free speech and regulation. The conversation humorously contrasts TikTok's controversies with Google's emerging AI chatbot Bard, exploring the evolving landscape of technology and the political dynamics at play.
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TikTok Hearing
- Makena Kelly attended a House hearing where the CEO of TikTok testified.
- Lawmakers largely ignored his answers and focused on pre-determined concerns.
China Concerns
- Lawmakers' concerns about TikTok center on China's potential influence and data security.
- These concerns mirror broader tech issues but are amplified by geopolitical tensions.
Foreign Influence
- Foreign governments can manipulate platforms, seen with the "flat earth" conspiracy spread via Google SEO.
- This highlights concerns about how China could use TikTok similarly.