The Biden campaign has made a controversial move by launching its official TikTok account, despite concerns over the Chinese-owned social media platform's potential national security risks. This decision has sparked a heated debate among politicians from both sides of the aisle.
Leading the opposition to the campaign's decision is Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, who chairs the House Select Committee on China. Gallagher asserts that every key Biden national security official, including the Director of National Intelligence, the CIA Director, the DIA Director, and the head of Cyber Command, has deemed TikTok a national security threat. He further stresses that the FBI Director, Chris Wray, recently warned that the parent company of TikTok is closely tied to the Chinese government, making it a significant concern for the United States.
Gallagher questions why Biden would ignore the advice of his handpicked advisors, suggesting that the move might be an attempt to appeal to young voters and garner support during the campaign season. He labels it as an unserious and potentially dangerous decision that could result in a hostile foreign country gaining control over the nation's news media.
The ban on TikTok by the Indian government is also cited as a potential model for the United States. Gallagher highlights that India's ban did not lead to any catastrophic consequences for the country's tech and social media ecosystem, indicating that a ban or forced sale could be a viable solution to address national security concerns. He emphasizes the need for a complete separation from the current ownership structure if TikTok were to ever go public in the US.
Democratic Senator Mark Warner from Virginia also expresses unease about mixed messaging and urges a similar approach to India's ban on TikTok. He believes that a ban, forced sale, or separation is necessary to alleviate national security concerns. Warner expresses a willingness to collaborate with Gallagher to ensure appropriate action is taken, emphasizing that this issue should not be a partisan matter.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen if the Biden campaign will reconsider its stance on TikTok in light of the national security concerns raised by experts across the political spectrum. The future of TikTok in the United States may depend on finding a common ground that prioritizes both national security and the interests of younger voters.
