(NationRise.com) – Two Democrat and Republican Senators who serve as members of the Senate Intelligence Committee are condemning an increasingly popular social media application as “the most powerful propaganda tool ever.”
Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Mark Warner (D-VA), who serves as the committee’s chairman, both condemned the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok for allegedly using its powerful influencers and algorithms to turn Americans against each other. Warner also criticized President Joe Biden’s campaign after launching an official TikTok account during the 2024 Super Bowl.
His campaign faced significant criticism for using the app. The criticism was largely over security concerns, some of which came from his administration. The federal government has banned the app on devices used for official purposes under Biden’s direction. His campaign claimed it would help the president connect with younger audiences and that every necessary precaution is being taken.
TikTok’s popularity in the US has exploded in recent years. However, federal officials have expressed concerns about the app’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which is believed to own ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. Democrats have embraced the platform, while most Republicans remain hesitant.
There have also been credible reports that the Chinese government is using TikTok as a tool to spy on the United States on an unprecedented scale. Those revelations have been met with calls to ban the app. Montana attempted to do so in 2023 but was blocked by a court order. Congress is considering legislation that would force ByteDance to split up or face having the app banned in the United States.
Warner and Rubio believe the CCP can use the data collected to modify its algorithms in ways that will negatively manipulate the US populace at a time when tensions between the two nations remain high. Warner noted that Chinese officials can present a false narrative based on user profiles and trends with mass appeal. They are calling it an issue of national security.
Currently, a bill is making its way through Congress to potentially ban the app in the United States if its owner doesn’t sell it to remove CCP influence. The legislation passed through the House in a 352-65 vote and is now headed to the Senate, where its future is uncertain.
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