Click Here 167. Mic Drop: TikTok’s day in Appeals Court
Sep 20, 2024
Alan Rozenshtein, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota and a lawfare expert, delves into the critical legal battles faced by TikTok. He discusses the implications of a law mandating that TikTok’s Chinese ownership must divest to protect U.S. national security and data privacy. The conversation highlights the tension between government regulation and free expression, the scrutiny of TikTok’s algorithm, and the potential ramifications for U.S.-China relations, as well as possible Supreme Court involvement.
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TikTok's National Security Threat
- The U.S. government sees TikTok's Chinese ownership as a real national security threat due to potential data misuse and political influence.
- This threat has led to unprecedented legal actions questioning TikTok's survival and ownership in America.
China's Tech Control History
- China has a history of using its tech companies to assert control, seen in cases like Jack Ma's disappearance.
- This sets a clear precedent that TikTok could be leveraged by China for strategic, even geopolitical, benefits.
Balancing Security and Free Speech
- The U.S. is balancing national security against American free expression, with TikTok's ban challenging constitutional rights.
- The government's classified evidence is key, but publicly it remains redacted, raising transparency issues.