TikTok’s Urgent Lobbying Backfires Amidst Capitol Hill Challenges
US congressional offices report being inundated with calls from TikTok users regarding legislation that could lead to the app’s ban. Callers span various age groups, with many expressing confusion and citing TikTok’s encouragement as the reason for their calls. The lobbying campaign, initiated by TikTok to mobilize users against the proposed legislation, seems to have backfired. Lawmakers and their staff suggest that the campaign has heightened concerns about the app and ByteDance, its parent company, and solidified their determination to pass the legislation.
The bipartisan bill, introduced by 20 lawmakers, proposes mandating ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months; otherwise, the app would be removed from mobile app stores in the US. The legislation has been making swift progress through Congress, earning unanimous approval from a key committee. It is anticipated to be voted on by the full House, with President Joe Biden indicating he would sign it into law.
Despite TikTok’s efforts to mobilize users, some lawmakers argue that ByteDance has inadvertently validated their concerns. TikTok reportedly sent notifications urging users to call their representatives and vote against the bill. Some congressional offices have received numerous calls, with one office reporting over 900 calls, including vulnerable school-aged children. Lawmakers contend that ByteDance’s actions have further supported their belief in the national security threat posed by TikTok.
Lawmakers have long accused ByteDance of having ties to the Chinese Communist Party, viewing TikTok as a potential threat to Americans’ privacy and mental health. While TikTok claims over 170 million users in the US, ByteDance and TikTok deny these accusations.
The proposed legislation is part of a broader global concern regarding the role of Chinese tech companies and the potential security risks associated with their operations. TikTok’s efforts to rally its user base against the legislation seem to have intensified the scrutiny and reinforced lawmakers’ commitment to address perceived threats associated with the popular video-sharing app.
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