US House Passes Bill that Would Ban TikTok Amid National Security Concerns

Defense News ,U.S :-  US lawmakers made a decisive move on Wednesday, drawing inspiration from India's bold action four years ago to ban TikTok, as they voted in favor of legislation aimed at addressing the threat posed by the Chinese app.

In a notable display of bipartisan support, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, co-authored by Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, and Congressman Mike Gallagher from the Republican party, with a vote of 352 to 65.

The bill, designed to regulate the ownership of foreign apps such as TikTok within the US, is now set to proceed to the Senate for further deliberation before potentially being enacted into law upon receiving the President's signature.

Several lawmakers highlighted India's decision in 2020 to prohibit the app, among 59 other Chinese-created apps, citing concerns over national security. Congressman Greg Murphy's office underscored India's emphasis on safeguarding its national interests.

The lack of transparency exhibited by TikTok executives, coupled with their reluctance to safeguard user privacy and information, has also spurred neighboring governments like the European Union and Canada to restrict the application's usage on government devices.

According to Murphy, TikTok has been utilized by China to target, surveil, and manipulate American citizens, posing a significant national security threat due to its extensive data collection practices and its ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

House Republicans emphasized China's ambitious data collection objectives and TikTok's documented lack of transparency regarding data and moderation practices, which have prompted multiple governments, including the US, the European Union, Canada, India, and various US states, to ban the app on government devices.

The White House expressed support for the bill's advancement, affirming its importance in addressing the risks posed by certain technology services operating in the US, without explicitly banning apps like TikTok.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre reiterated the necessity of swift Senate action, emphasizing the importance of preventing ownership of such apps by entities that could exploit them or pose harm to national security.

However, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks raised concerns about the legislation, particularly regarding its potential implications for TikTok, warning against excessive executive discretion without adequate congressional oversight.

The bill mandates TikTok to sever ties with the Chinese Communist Party, aiming to protect the data of millions of Americans, particularly children, and mitigate national security risks associated with the authoritarian regime.

Congressman Chris Smith emphasized the legislation's crucial role in countering the Chinese Communist Party's efforts to influence public opinion, particularly among the younger generation, through platforms like TikTok, while also preventing the unauthorized collection of data on Americans.

The House's passage of the bill follows intense scrutiny of TikTok's lobbying efforts against it, with Congressman Smith pressing TikTok executives for clarity on the company's engagement with American minors in its advocacy campaign.