The House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted 360 to 58 on a bill that could result in the unprecedented action of shutting down TikTok, a popular social media platform, over concerns related to Chinese influence and data privacy. The bill, authored by Texas Republican representative Michael McCaul, aims to protect Americans, especially children, from what he described as the ‘malign influence of Chinese propaganda’ on TikTok, which he referred to as a ‘spy balloon in Americans’ phones.’
The legislation was passed as part of a broader foreign aid package put forth by House Republican speaker Mike Johnson, which includes support for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The updated bill extends the divestment period for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, from six months to a year, a move supported by Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell to allow sufficient time for potential buyers to negotiate a deal.
Following the House’s passage of the bill, TikTok voiced disappointment, emphasising its substantial economic contribution to the US and arguing against what it sees as an infringement on free speech rights. The bill’s broader implications on data privacy and surveillance practices have also drawn criticism from other tech industry figures, including the president of Signal, who warned of potential repercussions extending beyond TikTok to other social media platforms. Despite these concerns, President Joe Biden has indicated his intention to sign the bill into law if it passes the Senate, aligning with his previous statements and ongoing scrutiny of TikTok’s operations.
European regulators have demanded a risk assessment from TikTok within 24 hours regarding its new app, TikTok Lite, recently launched in France and Spain. The European Commission, under the Digital Services Act (DSA), is concerned about potential impacts on children and users’ mental health. This action follows an investigation initiated two months ago into TikTok for potential breaches of the EU tech rules.
Thierry Breton, the EU industry chief, emphasised the need for TikTok to conduct a risk assessment before launching the app in the 27-country EU. The DSA requires platforms to take stronger actions against illegal and harmful content, with penalties of up to 6% of their global annual turnover for violations. Breton likened the potentially addictive and toxic nature of ‘social media lite’ to ‘cigarettes light,’ underlining the commitment to protecting minors under the DSA.
TikTok Lite, targeted at users aged 18+, includes a ‘Task and Reward Lite’ program that allows users to earn points by engaging in specific platform activities. These points can be redeemed for rewards like Amazon vouchers, PayPal gift cards, or TikTok coins for tipping creators. The Commission expressed concerns about the app’s impact on minors and users’ mental health, particularly potential addictive behaviours.
Why does it matter?
TikTok has been directed to provide the requested risk assessment for TikTok Lite within 24 hours and additional information by 26 April. The Commission will analyse TikTok’s response and determine the next steps. TikTok has acknowledged the request for information and stated that it is in direct contact with the Commission regarding this matter. Additionally, the Commission has asked for details on measures implemented by TikTok to mitigate systemic risks associated with the new app.
TikTok’s efforts to separate its US operations and user data from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, have been scrutinised, as the following reports allege continued collaboration between the two entities. Despite implementing Project Texas, which aimed to enhance data security and independence, former employees claim that data-sharing practices persisted, with US user data being regularly sent to ByteDance executives in China.
Under Project Texas, US user data was supposed to be stored on Oracle’s cloud infrastructure. Still, former employees suggest that the reality differed, with a ‘stealth chain of command’ enabling continued collaboration between US-based staff and ByteDance executives. Allegations of ongoing control from ByteDance’s top management raise questions about TikTok’s claimed independence.
These revelations have significant implications, particularly amidst Congressional efforts to pressure ByteDance to sell TikTok. The House has already passed a bill threatening to ban TikTok unless it severs ties with its parent company. However, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew maintains the company’s autonomy, emphasising that American entities store and oversee American data.
Why does it matter?
While some former employees downplay concerns about TikTok’s connections to ByteDance, recent reports suggest that Project Texas may not have effectively insulated US operations from Chinese influence. As scrutiny intensifies, TikTok faces renewed scrutiny over its data practices and the extent of its independence from ByteDance.
UK MPs urge the government to develop a TikTok strategy to tackle misinformation targeting young people. A cross-party committee emphasises the need for the government to adapt to new platforms like TikTok, which have become significant sources of news for the youth. The recommendation is part of a broader report advocating for the use of trusted voices, such as scientists and doctors, to combat conspiracy theories and misinformation spreading on social media.
Data from Ofcom reveals that TikTok is cited as the leading news source for one in 10 individuals in the UK aged 12 to 15, while 71% of 16 to 24-year-olds prefer social media over traditional news websites. TikTok welcomes the suggestion for government engagement on social media platforms, highlighting the rapid evolution of information sources and audience habits in the digital age.
The committee stresses the importance of broadcasters being active on social media to counter disinformation effectively. The government’s ban on TikTok from official electronic devices underscores security concerns, although some departments still utilise the platform. MPs advocate for a more transparent approach from the government, urging it to leverage experts and boost trust by publishing evidence used in policymaking, particularly in areas susceptible to misinformation.
Lawmakers in the US Senate Commerce Committee are considering extending the deadline for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest the popular short video app used by millions of Americans. The US House of Representatives previously voted overwhelmingly to give ByteDance approximately six months to sell TikTok’s US assets or face a ban. Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell has expressed support for extending the deadline to one year, suggesting it could enhance the likelihood of a successful divestiture.
Discussions about the possibility of a one-year deadline extension come amid ongoing deliberations among congressional leaders. Cantwell indicated plans to strategise with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Intelligence Committee chair Mark Warner. Despite the House’s decisive vote, Cantwell emphasised the Senate’s intent to refine the legislation for firmer legal grounding, considering previous unsuccessful attempts to ban TikTok under the Trump administration and at the state level.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has joined the call for divestiture, citing national security concerns and labelling TikTok as a significant strategic threat. However, TikTok has vigorously defended itself, asserting that a ban would infringe upon the First Amendment rights of its 170 million American users. While concerns persist regarding potential data sharing with China, TikTok maintains its commitment to safeguarding US data, having invested over $1.5 billion in data protection measures and storage infrastructure within the country.
The US Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is advocating for legislation that would compel TikTok’s parent company, China’s ByteDance, to divest the popular short video app, citing security threats to the US, which include calling TikTok ‘America’s greatest strategic rival.’
Senate leaders are now considering bipartisan measures to address the situation, while TikTok insists it has never shared American user data with China and has invested heavily in protecting and storing US data domestically.
Why does it matter?
TikTok’s future is sparking heated debate in Washington, with national security and First Amendment concerns taking centre stage. McConnell’s involvement may rekindle efforts to pass legislation that could ban the app. Notably, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also views TikTok legislation as a critical November pre-election priority.
Malaysia has called upon social media giants Facebook operator Meta and short video platform TikTok to intensify monitoring efforts on their platforms due to a surge in harmful content, as reported by the government. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, authorities referred 51,638 cases to these platforms for further action, a significant increase from the 42,904 cases recorded last year. While specific details on the reported content were not disclosed, the move aims to combat disseminating harmful material online, particularly concerning sensitive topics like race, religion, and royalty.
According to statements from Malaysian regulatory bodies and police, the plea to Meta and TikTok also encompassed the need to address content indicative of coordinated inauthentic behaviour, financial scams, and illegal online gambling. Sensitivity surrounding race and religion in Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation with significant ethnic Chinese and Indian populations, underpins the urgency of the government’s call. Additionally, Malaysia’s legal framework includes statutes prohibiting seditious remarks or insults directed at its monarchy, adding further weight to the push for online content regulation.
With European elections looming, mainstream politicians recognise the need to connect with voters on TikTok, a platform that fringe parties have effectively utilised. However, TikTok’s ties to China have raised red flags among security agencies in Germany and the United States, leading to calls for regulation or a ban.
Despite assurances from TikTok, scepticism remains high. Figures like Macron and Lauterbach are leveraging TikTok’s reach to connect with younger demographics alongside Simon Harris, Ireland’s prime minister-in-waiting. The rise of far-right parties on TikTok pressures politicians to engage without endorsing its authoritarian links.
Despite security concerns, politicians acknowledge TikTok’s effectiveness, especially in reaching beyond traditional media to shape political discourse among youth. According to a recent report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, fewer individuals rely on conventional media, while more are embracing TikTok as a news source.
Why does it matter?
Several nations have prohibited TikTok usage among government officials, yet its escalating significance as a news outlet, especially among younger demographics, demands scrutiny. Reuters’ findings revealed that TikTok experienced the most rapid growth among social networks, with 20% of individuals aged 18 to 24 utilising it for news consumption. Consequently, politicians in the UK and Belgium are strategically navigating around these constraints by using separate devices for TikTok, thereby securing their presence on the platform.
During a recent phone call, President Joe Biden conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping the United States’ desire for TikTok to change ownership. This move comes as Congress deliberates on outlawing the app unless it severs ties with its Chinese proprietors. According to National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, Biden emphasised that the concern is not about banning TikTok outright but divesting ownership to safeguard national and data security interests.
President Biden’s backing of this bill is noteworthy, even though his election campaign leveraged TikTok as a tool to engage with young voters. However, the bill’s fate in the Senate remains uncertain, with some senators expressing reservations about the US government’s intervention in civil liberties and corporate ownership matters. The debate underscores the delicate balance between national security concerns and the principles of free enterprise and individual rights in the digital age.
TikTok is intensifying its focus on educational content amid mounting scrutiny in the US and the UK. The platform is rolling out its STEM feed across Europe, starting with the UK and Ireland, following its successful launch in the US last year. This dedicated feed, featuring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content, will now be integrated alongside the main feeds for users under 18 and can be enabled by older users through the app’s settings. Since its US debut, one-third of teens regularly engage with the STEM feed, with a notable surge in STEM-related content production.
The expansion comes with enhanced measures to ensure content quality and reliability. Namely, TikTok is partnering with Common Sense Networks and Poynter to vet the content appearing on the STEM feed. Common Sense Networks will assess appropriateness, while Poynter will evaluate information reliability. Content failing these checks will not qualify for the STEM feed, aiming to provide users with credible educational materials.
By emphasising its educational initiatives, including the STEM feed, TikTok aims to position itself as a constructive platform for youth development, countering regulatory scrutiny and public concerns.
Why does it matter?
TikTok’s push for educational content aligns with its recent efforts to present a positive global image to lawmakers and stakeholders. The company has showcased the STEM feed in congressional hearings to refute accusations of harm to young users. Through initiatives like this, TikTok seeks to demonstrate its commitment to promoting learning and responsible content consumption while navigating regulatory challenges in multiple jurisdictions.
