Staff Reports
TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew is finally making an appearance before Congress next week to answer some tough questions about the social media giant’s data collection practices and ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Republican Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced that the hearing will be titled “TikTok: How Congress Can Safeguard American Data Privacy and Protect Children from Online Harms”. About time someone is looking out for the American people, especially our children!
Here’s the problem: as soon as the 24 cycle ends, we’re into 26 — with folks eying 28. The political argument against banning TikTok won’t magically disappear after November 2024.
Put the country before politics. Ban TikTok *now* @johndmckinnon @WSJ pic.twitter.com/TSU9zStQPM
— Michael Sobolik (@michaelsobolik) March 13, 2023
Concerns about TikTok’s harmful algorithms and dangerous content being exposed to kids for profit have been raised by both parties, and now it’s time for Chew to answer for his company’s actions. It’s high time that a responsible tech CEO is held accountable for their company’s destructive actions, and it’s good to see that Chew will finally face lawmakers instead of just brushing damning questions aside.
TikTok CEO to Testify Before Congress for the First Time https://t.co/IwIOuCblXA
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) March 16, 2023
Members of the Republican party, such as James Comer, previously called out TikTok for misleading their congressional briefing and providing untruthful information regarding user locations. If such allegations are true, it is deeply concerning, and lawmakers will undoubtedly press Chew on the matter during the hearing next week.
Interestingly, the Biden administration has been slow to address concerns about TikTok, leading some Republicans to believe that a TikTok ban would harm Democrats who use the app to reach young Americans with political messages. Shocking, isn’t it? Regardless, TikTok is a potential Trojan horse for Chinese hackers who could use the app to track Americans’ data and wield it against the United States.
It’s time to take a stand against TikTok’s data practices and protect our children from online harms. Let’s hope Chew answers all of Congress’s questions truthfully and lawmakers can take steps to keep America safe on the app.
