The US Pushes to Ban Tik Tok but the Senate Seems to Have Blurred Lines

 By an overwhelming vote of 352-65, the House of Representatives has passed a bill that will force TikTok's parent firm, Byte Dance, based in China to sell the app. Legislators are becoming increasingly concerned about the vulnerabilities to national security that TikTok's existing ownership structure poses, which is why they are taking this legislative action. The main concern is that being a Chinese company, Byte Dance would come under pressure from the Chinese government to turn over user data, which could jeopardize US interests. The stakes are enormous, as TikTok boasts a vast user base of over 170 million Americans, leading Congress to move decisively. Proponents of the measure contend that Byte Dance’s loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) raises concerns over user data sovereignty and safety, calling for involvement to reduce potential hazards. To protect user privacy, TikTok, on the other hand, has angrily refuted claims of data sharing and insists that it runs separately from its parent firm. Legislators, citing broader national security concerns and the necessity for aggressive measures to preserve American interests in the digital era, are not persuaded despite these promises. Although the law passed the House, which is a major step forward, its future now rests with the Senate, where things could go wrong. Given the seriousness of the issues at stake, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated that the bill will be carefully examined and deliberated. In an indication of the bipartisan agreement on the criticality of resolving TikTok's ownership quandary, President Joe Biden has promised to sign the bill into law should it receive Senate approval. The TikTok controversy highlights deeper geopolitical concerns between the US and China, with technology emerging as a key front in this conflict, which extends beyond the legislative sphere. Questions of free expression, national security, and economic competition are at the forefront as authorities struggle to regulate tech platforms that have a worldwide reach. The resolution of this legislative impasse will not only influence TikTok's future but also establish a standard for how countries handle the growing convergence of geopolitics and technology.

https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-house-vote-china-national-security-8fa7258fae1a4902d344c9d978d58a37 

My Take:

 

It draws attention to the difficulties in governing digital platforms that operate internationally while juggling conflicting interests and moral principles. The TikTok controversy highlights the need for sophisticated strategies that balance security concerns with the values of privacy, free speech, and international collaboration. It also acts as a microcosm of the larger issues facing policymakers in the digital era.

 

My Question to You:

 

What wider lessons regarding the convergence of national security, geopolitics, and technology in an increasingly linked world can be learned from the TikTok discussion as it develops? In the digital age, how can politicians reconcile preserving democratic values with protecting national interests?

 

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Congress's Time Line With The Tik Tok Ban

 A succession of threats, agreements, and legal proceedings have all been part of the protracted conflict for the future of TikTok in the United States. Concerns about the threats to national security posed by the Chinese-owned corporation Byte Dance, which runs TikTok, are at the heart of this dispute. For a considerable amount of time, the FBI has issued danger alerts, pointing out that there is a chance that the Chinese government would take control of the platform's software to do influence operations or collect information on millions of American users. In 2020, the Trump administration issued executive orders alleging national security concerns and pushed for the platform to be sold to American companies, initiating the first significant onslaught against TikTok. Following negotiations, prospective suitors Microsoft and subsequently Oracle emerged. When these attempts failed, though, TikTok looked for other ways to allay worries from the US authorities. TikTok introduced "Project Texas" in 2022 as a comprehensive plan to strengthen data security and shield the platform from outside influence in response to growing demand. To prevent Chinese authorities from manipulating TikTok's algorithms, the endeavor entailed redirecting all user data from Americans to Oracle's cloud infrastructure. The Biden administration pursued regulatory actions despite these attempts, and in 2023 it succeeded in prohibiting TikTok from being used on federal equipment. The problem became more complicated, though, because of the administration's use of TikTok for political objectives, such as wooing young people during the election campaign. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew defended the company against allegations of Chinese interference during congressional hearings in 2023, highlighting the platform's data protection procedures. Lawmakers, however, remained dubious; some even called for a total outlawing of TikTok in the United States. Montana became the first state to enact a TikTok ban because of the heated discussion that spread to state legislatures. But in the end, judicial intervention prevented the prohibition from going into effect. The most recent event involved a bipartisan legislative campaign in Congress that led to the passing of a measure mandating that Byte Dance give up its ownership of TikTok within a given amount of time. The bipartisan agreement in the House that TikTok poses hazards to society is demonstrated by the bill's resounding approval.

https://www.axios.com/2024/03/12/tiktok-ban-explain-why-china-congress

 

My Take:

 

In the digital age, the intricate relationship between technology, geopolitics, and national security is embodied in the protracted dispute over TikTok's existence in the United States. It emphasizes how difficult it is to strike a balance between the advantages of cutting-edge digital platforms and justifiable worries about data security, privacy, and foreign influence. The issue's nonpartisan nature is demonstrated by the way it has evolved over several administrations, with both the Trump and Biden administrations taking strong action to address perceived concerns. While initiatives like "Project Texas" show how TikTok is trying to allay worries, Congress's approval of legislation demonstrates the ongoing worry over the platform's ownership and management.

 

My Question to You:

How should lawmakers strike a balance between maintaining innovation and consumer participation in the digital domain and national security concerns in light of the current controversy surrounding TikTok?

Political Tik Tok

With tik tok showing up Facebook with its growth to billions of users in half the time it took Facebook, this gives ample amount of power to all aspects in the American life specifically on the political influence people have access to through Tik Tok. What makes this app the most appealing form of social media is the ample number of things users can do and post. For example, the app showcases a “for you” page which uses users most watched videos and populates a personalized feed page based on topics of interest. This page is especially beneficial for millennials as it does most of the work for them sifting through videos to find what best fits their niche. During pre- tik tok times events such as 9/11 were aired on news stations and such but it is not as fast speeding as social media. Current events such as BLM (Black Lives Matter) have been showcased anywhere from videos bringing recognition to the movement to victims of police brutality.  The main advantage tik tok must set itself apart from other social media forms is that “creators can use the highly addictive algorithm to keep users engaged for extended periods of time “. With videos spanning from 15 seconds up to 15 minuets (with the recent updates) users can shine light on any political pressing issue with the use of “viral” sounds to generate more and more people to finding their videos and from there gaining allies towards the same issue.  While just like every political event source there will always be room for the spread of fake news but with a versatile app like tik tok this allows its viewers to find the form of information that appeals to them along with people who have been personally effected by such political event which gives users more information than just facts and fake news.

https://www.climateculture.earth/5-minute-reads/the-political-side-of-tiktok

My Take:

The amount of technology that gets put into this app in regards to essentially having a personalized app is insane to me. This app really does add to the freedom of individuals in America especially during times like these where many feel America is loosing its touch as "land of the free and great opportunities". Personally I have been seeing more in regards to international relation issues that the 2024 presidential elections and to be honest it is because given the people running for office I don't really support any of them. However being able to stay up to date with events from across the world and being able to see videos personal experience it has helped me develop my views with a much stronger passion. 

My Question to You:

When you really take a second to scroll through your tin Tok feed what do you nonie to be the over all niche of the videos pertaining to politics? Do you see more republican or democratic videos, for maybe similar to myself more international relation videos? How has this app formed your political views?

Tik Tok and The US Economy

 With tik tok carrying the US economy in 2024 generating $24.5 billion dollars into the economy and helping small businesses collectively to make $14.7 billion in revenue in the US alone this app is an important aspect of lives of more than 224,000 people who have created jobs for themselves through this app. The launch of the “Tik Tok shop” in September of 2023 has only increased the amount of revenue this “horrible” Chinese app has brought to not only the US but to so many countries worldwide. Oxford Economics joined forces with Tik Toks headquarters to accumulate information on the internal operations such as the employee head counts. With the app setting unlimited ways for users to generate money such as through its support of small businesses, increasing PR recognitions, and even advertising. Along with the users boosting the US economy Tik Tok supports the US outside of just the users supporting an additional $2 billion in taxes. Aside from the economic impacts this app has also given a voice to those of minority in the US allowing them to create the change they otherwise would not be able to do without this influential app. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/03/13/tik-tok-economic-impact-report/

MY TAKE:

After doing more research on this Oxford collaboration study with Tik Tok I am just not connecting the lines to the hatred our government is both expressing to us and acting on. Aside from the large amount of added money into our economy Tik Tok also gave our government an additional 2 BILLION DOLLARS which is managed and used by our government to help benefit our country. How can they act so ignorantly against an app due to the international relations issue that has not hard evidence to back up? It is already hard enough to survive in this country and the government wants to take away a solid way for individuals to pick themselves up with about a finical struggle. 

MY QUESTION TO YOU:

Have you or someone you know seen an impact this app has made on them finically? What do you think the governments through process is on shutting down the app that adds money into the countries economy?

How is China Reacting to the Possible Ban?

 While we as Americans know what our governments plans with tik tok are let’s investigate how this is all impacting and making China feel. China is perceiving the Possible tik tok ban in the United States to be portrayed as an act of bullying. The US China issue at hand is the US is essentially giving the Chinese company an ultimatum, sell the app to a US company or the US will ban the app and its 170 million users will be gone. With the event blowing up over the last few months there have been several instances of government officials admitting that they have no evidence to back up their claims of the app being a national security threat. US spokesperson of Beijing goes on to accuse this insane act as one of a bullying nature do the success this company has achieve through the app rather than US owned apps. The house vote to ban tik tok rests on a 2/3 majority vote which is predicting to be the result as many officials seem to have jumped on the bandwagon of throwing shade towards the app simply because of how profitable it has become and who owns the app. In summary it seems the US is likely influenced through the leading political figures “feelings” toward the Chinese Communist Party and not the app itself given that the US is pulling every strong it can to snatch the app out from under the Chinese owner ByteDance.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/13/business/china-tiktok-ban-bullying-congress-vote-intl-hnk/index.html

My Take:

This whole ordeal between Tik Tok and the US government is seeming to show its true colors the more and more our government attempts to act on the "issue" at hand. It showing to be a classic feeling of being jealous (much like a little child). The US hates that this Chinese owned app is blowing up and being successful as well as helping to boost them economically. So, instead of working on releasing new apps the US is creating made up excuses in hope of being able to buy the app and take the credit from there. It is both an insult to our country as well as to the citizens who rely on the app to have their voices be heard world wide that they would other wise not be able to do from speaking on politics to environmental issues. Tik Tok has done nothing up influence its users in a positive manner as well as benefit American politics. 

My Question to You:

As more and more stories are being published regarding the US government and Tik Tok in your option what kind of picture do you see the US government painting of themselves through these actions?

STOP THE BAN!!!

 As all tik tok users saw last week, there was a petition page on tik ok right as you opened it to encourage users to partake in protecting this app. This all started when a bill was passed to effectively remove tik tok under the circumstance that the Chinese company does not comply with standards the US government has recently released. To go even further than tik tok itself the “Restrict Act” (March 7, 2023) gives added powers to the Secretary of Commerce to start banning most Chinese owned apps in America. This act also puts citizens at a disadvantage for challenging these decisions. With all these events taking place to go against and abolish tik tok judicial systems have also stepped in and are not being ordered to act on created criminal penalties to any citizens who tries to access the app after it has been banned. It is time for the more than 100 million American tik tok users to send emails to congress, sign petitions, spread the decision’s being made and take action to defend the app of our generation. If the ban goes through American citizens are put in a position where our 1^st amendment rights are in jeopardy due to such a large control of our internet usage. There are alternatives to give our government the peace of mind they want while not completely wiping out an entire branch of internet from the American citizens. 

https://go.peoplepower.org/letter/tiktok-ban

 

My Take:

As I’ve stated over and over in my previous blogs, I still just don’t understand the logic in such monumental advances our government is making towards the app. I mean our political and presidential structures want to preach how America protects its citizens rights and values citizens inputs (HELLO DEMOCRACY) yet is choosing to take a very restrictive measure against not only the app itself but the citizens and politicians who could greatly boost their votes as well. It in its entirety is messing with our right to the 1^st amendment and the government seems to not care anymore so long as they don’t get their feelings hurt over their relations with China. 

 

 

My Question to You:

Obviously have you signed the petition when it popped up on your phone? If you did not why? Did you think it was a fake or a spam of some sort?

****Below I have added a link directly to the petition to anyone who would like to sign :)***

https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-tiktok-ban-021414e9-86da-402c-8fef-59294d08416d

Georgia Runoffs and Tik Tok

 Georgia Lefkowicz is a teenager from Georgia who has always been interested in politics. He will be old enough to vote on November 3, 2020, and he plans to engage in them. Senate elections are at the top of Lefkowitz’s list of priorities because they "will decide the future of American politics for the next two years." In other words, if Americans want to get anything done in politics, they must first get through the Senate and actively participate in these elections. Lefkowicz, like many other millennials, shared their opinions and study findings on social media, but statistics reveal that most of them use Tik Tok to increase their viewing.  Specifically pertaining to Georgia politics, Senator David Perdue, and Jon Ossoff, the 2020 election rivals, are a prime illustration of how young individuals are utilizing the Tik Tok platform to disseminate state-level politics. Because there have been so many posts on this election in particular, Georgia has been ranked as one of the states with the highest political activity and higher voter turnout than in the 2016 election season—which, incidentally, is the year Tik Tok was just launched. Georgia adopts more younger electors into the senate in addition to being a state where voting is more popular; as a result, Tik Tok is being used more frequently in Georgia than ever before for advertising purposes. Tom Bonier, the CEO of Target Smart, expresses his amazement at the voter statistics in the smaller elections, even though most people prefer presidential elections over state elections. Young adults in Georgia are not only getting more involved in society, but they are also getting involved in their state government, which is crucial as the elected officials make many decisions that affect our state's favorable aspects.

 

 

My Take:

I believe that not only with Georgia but every state in America has in some form or another seen an increase in voter turn out from executive to state elections as a result of Tik Tok. Politicians in any area have to understand that Tik Tok is essentially the life line for the survival of young voters to continue being politically active. In the case of George Lefkowicz he was a young kid interested in elections and once he became of age he was able to utilize the most popular app to help  engage other peers of his age group (Young Adults). He also publicized a major standard that even myself tend to over look which is the amount of power the Senate hold to each individual state. From now on I am going to be paying more attention to Georgias political sphere as those electorates are the ones making the most direct and impactful decisions for me. 

My Question to You:

What ways (if any) do you get information about any government decisions happing in the senate? Does Tik Tok help you to stay in the loop? Maybe even a specific Tik Tok influencer?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/georgia-runoff-youth-vote/2020/12/30/8104720c-4605-11eb-b0e4-0f182923a025_story.html