TikTok Faces Calls for Separation from ByteDance over National Security Risk
By Movieguide® Contributor
TikTok is facing bipartisan calls for the Chinese-owned app to be separated from its parent company ByteDance due to national security concerns.
In a letter to the Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS), senators Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., asked the committee to “swiftly conclude its investigation and impose strict structural restrictions between TikTok’s American operations and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, including potentially separating the companies,” something CFIUS has the power to do.
Their concern stems from the possibility of China using TikTok to “collect data on tens of millions of American users and attempt to influence our public discourse.”
Movieguide® has previously reported on other legislators’ efforts to ban TikTok in the United States.
Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has previously called TikTok a “Trojan Horse for the Chinese Communist Party” and “a major security risk to the United States.”
While the video app has been banned on government devices since December 2022, lawmakers are concerned about the tens of millions of active users in the United States.
“TikTok is clearly, inextricably dependent on ByteDance for its operations, and therefore beholden to the government of China,” they wrote in their letter.
The Hollywood Reporter adds that the letter asks “CFIUS to impose ‘structural separations’ on ByteDance’s ability to access ‘Americans’ personal data; make decisions about content moderation; control its algorithmic recommendation systems; and oversee its U.S. operations.’”
“At a minimum, CFIUS should ensure that executive decision making about the platform is based in the United States and fully free from coercive influence from Beijing,” the letter reads.
It adds, “It must also ensure that decisions about, and access to, all personal data, algorithms, and content moderation relating to American users is out of the reach or influence of the Chinese government.”
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said, “The bottom line is China has been quite clear that they are trying to mold and put forward the use and norms around technologies that privilege their interests.”
“There’s a reason we need to be very concerned,” she added.
Movieguide® previously reported on legislative efforts to ban TikTok in the United States:
Legislators at Capitol Hill plan to propose two bills that would ban the popular social media app TikTok from government devices.
With over 1 billion users, TikTok is the most popular social media platform in the world. However, U.S. legislators are worried that the Chinese-owned company is a threat to national security.
“We understand that the Chinese government is using this app to collect data from our citizens here in this country,” South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem told CBN. “They can even access personal information from financial institutions. It’s a cyber security threat we need to take action against.”
“In fact if a state employee or someone who contracts with the state does download the app of tick tock or access it that it’ll be a criminal offense,” she added.
However, some lawmaker’s think that a nationwide ban is the best way forward.
“How much do you think it’s appropriate that the Chinese Communist government should know everything about your movement your information anything they want about you?” Florida Sen. Rick Scott (R) said. “We’ve got to wake up. I mean Chinese drones or TikTok or buying any Chinese product… I mean the government of China has decided to be our adversary, they’ve decided to build a military to defeat us.”
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (R) added: “Companies under the control of the Chinese Communist Party should not have access, unfettered access, to the private data of millions and millions of Americans that they can then use against us for Espionage for foreign policy, for division.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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