The future of TikTok is uncertain as a movement to ban or restrict the popular app gains momentum in the lead-up to midterm elections. A coalition of former Trump administration officials, conservative commentators, and Republican lawmakers are reviving efforts to curb TikTok's influence, citing concerns about data privacy and national security.
Critics argue that Americans' personal data may be falling into Chinese government hands, with Chinese authorities determining what content is displayed on the platform. TikTok has denied these allegations, stating that user data remains secure and would never be shared with foreign governments.
In June, BuzzFeed News reported that China-based employees of ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, had accessed nonpublic data about U.S. users. While TikTok denies sharing this information with Chinese officials, experts suggest there is a steep hill to climb for those seeking a total ban.
The Role of Midterms
The midterm elections could play a significant role in shaping the future of TikTok. If Republicans hold gavels in Congress next year, they may pressure the White House to force a sale or restrictions on the company. Joel Thayer, president of the Digital Progress Institute, suggests that midterms will bring more "China hawks" who will prioritize TikTok's restriction.
The Path Forward
TikTok is negotiating with the Biden administration on a potential written security agreement. While some believe this could lead to a ban or restrictions, others think a deal between the two parties is more likely. Megan Stifel, chief strategy officer for the Institute for Security and Technology, suggests that a compromise will ensure the app remains open while addressing national security concerns.
Investor Pressure
TikTok's non-Chinese investors, who own over 60% of ByteDance, may also play a role in shaping the company's future. These investors have interests in avoiding major disruptions to their business. This year, TikTok more than doubled its federal lobbying budget, indicating increased efforts to influence policymakers.
Calls for a Shutdown
Despite the ongoing negotiations and pressure from investors, calls for a complete shutdown of TikTok continue. A bipartisan group of state attorneys general has launched an investigation into the app's effects on children and teens' physical and mental health. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission ordered TikTok and eight other online services to turn over documents about data-handling.
The Global Tech Security Commission
Keith Krach, a former tech executive, is leading the charge against TikTok and Chinese technology threats generally. He wants to use a similar playbook to what was used with Huawei and ZTE, restricting access to U.S. capital markets and persuading businesses and government agencies to keep the app off work-issued phones.
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