ByteDance mobilizing addicted user base, as U.S. TikTok ban steamrolls through Capitol Hill after unanimous committee vote.
The U.S. intelligence community is urging Congress to ban TikTok. Or, at least, to force Chinese parent ByteDance to divest the privacy-busting app. We already know it’s been abusing kids’ data, we’re told it’s been spying on journalists, and the FBI/CIA/NSA triumvirate say it’s a Communist Party tool.
But ByteDance is lobbying hard—some might say “playing dirty.” In today’s SB Blogwatch, we cheer on democracy.
Your humble blogwatcher curated these bloggy bits for your entertainment. Not to mention: Dancing Pooh trend.
Hilltop BillTok
What’s the craic? Suzanne Smalley reports—“Bills targeting data brokers and TikTok approved in House committee”:
“Ban on TikTok”
The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday approved two significant data privacy bills: One that would force TikTok to separate from its Chinese ownership or be stripped from app stores in the U.S. and a second that would block data brokers from selling or transferring Americans’ data to foreign adversaries. … Committee members voted unanimously … after hearing closed-door testimony from intelligence community leaders.
…
The TikTok bill is the latest in a string of attempts by Congress to block the app, whose parent company, ByteDance, is based in China. Congressional and national security leaders have long worried about how the app siphons Americans’ data and spreads disinformation, calling it a tool of the Chinese Communist Party. … Civil liberties groups condemned [it], saying it threatens freedom of speech.
…
As it became clear that congressional support for … an effective ban on TikTok was gathering momentum, … the app sent users a push notification warning that, “TikTok is at risk of being shut down in the U.S.” and urging them to contact their congressional representatives.
And then what happened? Aunty’s James FitzGerald explains—“TikTok sparks user revolt”:
“Chinese Communist Party”
American politicians are being inundated with calls from TikTok users. … A congressional aide [said] their office had received dozens of calls.
…
The committee chairwoman criticised TikTok’s mobilisation of its users, to which [TikTok] responded, “Why are members of Congress complaining about hearing from their constituents? Respectfully, isn’t that their job?”
…
The bill is expected to go to a full House floor vote next week. It has been proposed by a cross-party group of 20 lawmakers who form the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. … The Senate would need to approve it before it became law.
What have TikTokers been saying? Leave it to Olivia Beavers: [You’re fired—Ed.]
“Do not ban TikTok. If you want a January 6th riot, that’s what’s going to happen. Don’t do it,” one caller said … to a House GOP office.
…
He also said banning TikTok would infringe on his “First Amendment rights — or Bill of Rights — I don’t know. I, I don’t know — I just took a test on that today, bro.”
…
Said he “lives” on TikTok. Gave full name, address, at start of the call.
Can we somehow demonstrate the national security issue? Zich can:
I have [TikTok] blocked on the router, and can see that my partner’s phone’s TikTok app phones home every 5 seconds, 24/7. … I think I’m OK with this.
Sauce for the goose? Have a gander at mad_ian’s reply:
“National Security”? … If TikTok is a threat to national security, so is Facebook and The Service Formerly Known As Twitter.
But but but … CHINA. PhilipN says we’re in a “Cold War” again:
Make no mistake: This is where we’ve been … for some time. Back then it was Hollywood and Reds Under the Bed. Today it’s social media and National Security.
Is there a protectionist subtext here? Karishma Vaswani thinks so—“TikTok Addiction Isn’t Just China’s Fault”:
“China is increasing its lead over the US”
Washington should admit it’s as much about a lack of tech innovation as it is about national security. … While there are legitimate reasons to be concerned about the impact of a foreign-owned social-media platform beloved by so many young Americans, it’s time for a little honesty and self-reflection.
…
It is reasonable to have concerns about Chinese tech. [But] it’s also worth asking why … Silicon Valley hasn’t come up with its own TikTok. … China is increasing its lead over the US in artificial-intelligence patent filings, underscoring its prowess and determination to shape a technology that could have broad implications for the world’s richest economies.
Something-something freedom? Here’s FaustsHausUK:
Let me get this straight. China is bad because it goes to great lengths to inhibit what its citizens see online and is committing genocide against the Uyghurs. But the US is good because it’s going to great lengths to inhibit what its citizens see online?
Meanwhile, Big Wang snarks it up:
If the Chinese government wants data on American people, they’ll have to buy it from Cambridge Analytica like everybody else.
And Finally:
You have been reading SB Blogwatch by Richi Jennings. Richi curates the best bloggy bits, finest forums, and weirdest websites … so you don’t have to. Hate mail may be directed to @RiCHi, @richij or [email protected]. Ask your doctor before reading. Your mileage may vary. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Do not stare into laser with remaining eye. E&OE. 30.
Image sauce: Carlos PX (via Unsplash; leveled and cropped)
Recent Articles By Author
