McConnell: TikTok threatens security ‘on US soil’

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Monday backed an effort to force Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban on the popular app in the United States, saying It warned that ownership poses a serious national security threat.

“America’s greatest strategic rival is threatening our safety right here on American soil… in tens of millions of American homes. Of course, I’m talking about TikTok,” McConnell said on the Senate floor. .

McConnell noted that 170 million Americans are currently active users of TikTok, and said the People’s Republic of China treats TikTok “as a tool of surveillance and propaganda.”

Despite claims by TikTok officials that users’ personal information, browsing history, keystrokes and other sensitive data are protected, Republican leaders say China’s Communist government has full access to American users’ data. I warned you.

“Requiring the divestment of Chinese government-influenced companies from TikTok would fall squarely within established constitutional precedent. “It will begin to reverse the tide of a huge threat to the outlook,” he said.

“This is an issue that deserves urgent attention from Congress, and I support common-sense, bipartisan steps to take one of the Chinese government’s favorite tools of coercion and espionage off the table,” he added. Ta.

McConnell cited a series of alarming trends on TikTok, including “a shift from the glorification of Hamas terrorists to a particularly outrageous trend that occurred last year, when young people ‘discovered’ the wisdom of Osama bin Laden.” I checked it carefully.

“When it comes to TikTok, we’re not talking about interference or takeover of an American platform. In this case, Chinese influence and control is built in from the beginning.” “With the blessing of the Chinese government, TikTok’s algorithm will pour gasoline on an alarming trend.”

McConnell dismissed claims that forcing Chinese owners to sell TikTok or ban the app entirely in the United States would violate the First Amendment and restrict political speech.

“No matter how loudly TikTok apologists argue that curbing Chinese influence violates the First Amendment, the problem we face is one of conduct, not content,” he said. .

“I will not second-guess anyone when it comes to protecting First Amendment rights. I have staunchly defended Americans’ right to free speech in the most harmful ways, such as flag burning.” he added. “But there are important differences between the opinions Americans express on TikTok and the actions taken by a platform that benefits from its biggest strategic competitor.

McConnell’s support for the TikTok ban, which passed the House 352-65 last month, is notable. That’s because Mr. McConnell has long advocated protecting campaign contributions and advertising as a form of political speech.

But he argued Monday that allowing the Chinese government and its intelligence services to maintain control over TikTok threatens U.S. national security interests.

“China has spent years trying to unlock America’s communications infrastructure, and the federal government has a long history of frustrating Beijing’s efforts,” he said.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), who introduced the bill to ban TikTok in the United States, called McConnell’s floor speech an important development.

“I saw it,” he said. “I think it’s great. I welcome his support for the TikTok ban and hopefully we can bring it to a vote.

But Hawley pointed to TikTok’s deep pockets and political influence in Washington and questioned whether McConnell’s support would be enough to bring a potential TikTok ban to the Senate floor.

Asked about the chances of a strong TikTok bill being voted on in the Senate, Hawley said, “I think it’s less than 50-50.”

“I think what’s going on right now is money. I think TikTok is very influential,” he said.