US (Transatlantic Today) – Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced plans to introduce TikTok ban legislation in the U.S., citing concerns over national security, data privacy, and children’s mental health. The move follows a partial ban on government devices enacted in December 2022.
Why Is TikTok Under Fire?
Hawley called TikTok “China’s backdoor into Americans’ lives,” alleging the app could be exploited by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to access user data and influence American citizens.
His proposed legislation aims to:
- Ban TikTok nationwide while allowing for further investigation into its ties to China.
- Require a national security report detailing the app’s risks.
- Expand on existing restrictions already placed on government devices.
Previous Efforts and Growing Support
- In December 2022, Congress banned TikTok from federal government devices, but the law did not extend to members of Congress or their staff.
- Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced similar TikTok ban legislation last year, along with Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) in the House.
- FBI Director Christopher Wray warned that the app could be used by China for espionage or influence campaigns.
State and Institutional Crackdowns
- Several state governments have prohibited TikTok on state-owned devices.
- Many public universities have restricted TikTok access on school computers, mobile devices, and Wi-Fi networks.
Will the bill pass?
Given the divided Congress, Hawley’s bill faces significant hurdles. However, bipartisan concerns over TikTok’s security risks suggest future legislative action could be likely.
