Chinese video platform is being targeted once more but it’s difficult to persuade almost 150 millions Americans to abandon the easy way to short videos…
Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has called for the demonetization of TikTok in the U.S. unless the Chinese government provides access to its algorithm (!!). Rubio expressed concerns at the CNBC CFO Council Summit, stating that the issue is not about banning TikTok but about “preventing it from being monetized”. He argued that the Chinese-owned platform poses national security risks, particularly in the event of a conflict, as its algorithm could be manipulated to influence public opinion.
Rubio had previously introduced legislation in 2022 to ban Beijing-controlled TikTok, emphasizing the need to address potential threats to U.S. interests. TikTok, developed by ByteDance based in Beijing, is subject to Chinese laws on tech exports. Rubio questioned the potential use of TikTok’s algorithm in times of conflict, expressing concern that it could benefit foreign entities over American companies by gaining insights into the U.S. market and consumers.
Congress had previously voted to ban TikTok on federal government devices, and Rubio’s bill aims to prohibit financial transactions with social media companies influenced by China and other U.S. adversaries. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.). Rubio’s bill was reintroduced in the Senate in February, co-sponsored by Senator Angus King (I-Maine).
