Face-Off: The U.S. vs China TikTok: What Now?
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Feb 25, 2025 
Louise Matsakis, a Wired journalist specializing in TikTok, and Rana Mitter, a Harvard Kennedy School professor of modern China, explore the app’s precarious position in the U.S. landscape. They discuss the massive American user base, the national security concerns raised by politicians, and TikTok's evolution into a cultural phenomenon. The conversation dives into potential ownership changes and the app's impact on American politics, including Trump's strategic use of TikTok during his campaign. It's a lively examination of technology and trust in the digital age.
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Public vs. Government on TikTok
- Public support for banning TikTok has decreased, contrary to government sentiment.
- This mismatch highlights a disconnect between public opinion and lawmakers' views.
TikTok's Perceived Threat
- The US government struggles to handle TikTok despite its superpower status.
- This raises questions about the app's actual threat level compared to other national security concerns.
Lawmakers' Concerns
- US lawmakers have two main concerns about TikTok.
- These are potential Chinese propaganda and data pilfering for spying, but these remain hypothetical.