TikTok campaign to pressure members of Congress against social media restrictions It backfired badly After some young people harassed politicians and threatened to commit suicide.
“I will commit suicide if I ban TikTok.” Said According to Politico’s Olivia Beavers, someone called a Republican congressman.
House members on the Energy and Commerce Committee are considering approving a bill that would force Beijing-based ByteDance to sell TikTok or ban it in the United States, pending final approval. It will be submitted to the Senate and the President.
TikTok tried to tip the scale in its favor by weaponizing users who live in the districts of members of Congressional committees. The company sent a message asking representatives to contact them to oppose the measure.
“TikTok is at risk of being shut down in the United States. Call a representative now,” the misleading message read.
The call had the opposite effect as intended, as the measure to restrict TikTok passed unanimously with 50 votes in favor and zero votes against.
The committee chair, Republican Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, told Politico that the campaign “only highlights the extent to which TikTok can manipulate and target messages.”
“We are hearing from students, young people, adults and business owners who are concerned that mobile phones will be completely stranded and they may lose access to the platform.” Said Axios’ senior Republican aide.
The bill is also supported by Republican Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, the new House majority leader. called This is “an important bipartisan step against China, our greatest geopolitical adversary, who is actively undermining our economy and security.”
“The most far-reaching psychological warfare operation in history”
Rep. Dan Crenshaw, Republican of Texas, responded: statement He took to social media to explain his support for the bill.
“A lot of TikTok influencers are really upset about the bipartisan bill we’re passing today. Okay, your favorite digital drug is under threat. So let’s make it really simple. ” he wrote.
Crenshaw criticized TikTok for requiring users to provide their ZIP codes in order to target users in committee members’ districts.
“Second, TikTok’s parent company is China’s ByteDance. China is different than the US. China can force companies to do whatever the government wants. This has potentially the most far-reaching psychological impact. “In history, this includes handing over data for military operations and weaponizing social media platforms,” he continued.
“Third, today’s law does not ban TikTok,” Crenshaw added. “It’s just saying it can’t be owned by a foreign adversary like China. Under this bill, TikTok could be acquired by an American company that could open an account and make a viral dance video.” I might even be able to make one.”
A TikTok spokesperson denounced the bill as unconstitutional.
“They are using these intimidation tactics to try to pass legislation that would give governments unprecedented access to remove apps from people’s phones,” said Michael Beckerman, TikTok’s head of public policy for the Americas. ” he said.
Apart from the national security threat that TikTok may pose, experts warn that overuse of social media can have a negative impact on children. Critics say social media may be contributing to “soaring rates of depression, anxiety and even suicide afflicting children.”
Here are the details of the bill against TikTok:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nhZ09nnjKY
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