Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about banning TikTok, despite his previous administration’s attempts to do so. Amid a proposed legislation giving TikTok owner ByteDance six months to divest the app, Trump warned that banning TikTok could lead to Facebook doubling its business. The U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on the bill next week. Notable Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, view the bill as critical for national security, while Trump’s stance aligns with those who oppose the ban. The legislation would give ByteDance 165 days to divest TikTok or face potential removal from app stores.
Tensions around TikTok extend to Canada, with privacy regulators investigating the platform’s data collection practices. Despite concerns about TikTok’s impact on users and potential national security risks, the decision to ban the app is viewed as a political question. Trump’s shifting stance on TikTok reflects his transactional approach to politics, according to experts. With both Trump and current President Joe Biden gearing up for a potential rematch in the upcoming election, reaching younger voters through platforms like TikTok will be crucial. While TV ads may not be effective, social media platforms like TikTok are seen as key tools for engaging younger voters.
As the debate over TikTok continues, the outcome of the proposed legislation remains uncertain, with potential implications for both U.S. and Canadian users and lawmakers. The issue highlights the intersection of technology, national security, and political dynamics in the modern digital age.
Source
Photo credit www.cbc.ca