Recent discussions have highlighted the potential threat posed by China's control over the popular social media platform TikTok. According to experts, the Chinese Communist Party's influence on civil discourse in the United States through TikTok represents a significant national security concern.
Michael Sobolik, a Senior Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies, emphasized that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, being domiciled in China, allows the Chinese government to exert control over the platform. This control includes the ability to access and manipulate user data, censor content, and promote propaganda in line with the CCP's interests.
With approximately 170 million Americans using TikTok, of which 150 million are active daily users, concerns have been raised about the platform's impact on public opinion and information dissemination. Sobolik pointed out instances where TikTok has censored content on sensitive topics such as Tibet, the Uyghurs, and Tiananmen Square, raising questions about the platform's role in shaping narratives.
Congress has been debating whether to ban TikTok in the U.S. or require its sale to a non-Chinese entity. While some argue that banning TikTok infringes on free speech, Sobolik dismissed this notion, emphasizing the national security implications of allowing a platform controlled by an adversarial nation to operate freely in the country.
Sobolik warned of the potential for China to exploit TikTok during times of conflict, using it as a tool to manipulate public opinion and influence American responses to international events. He urged Congress to address the issue promptly, highlighting the importance of safeguarding national security interests.
Despite TikTok's denial of being a vessel for the Chinese government, concerns persist about the platform's susceptibility to external influence. The debate over TikTok's future in the U.S. remains ongoing, with Sobolik stressing that addressing this issue is crucial for protecting American interests and countering authoritarian regimes.
