TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance as lawmakers weigh in on the latest development. Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat, claims that President Donald Trump’s extension of the deadline for TikTok’s sale by 75 days is unlawful. This move, Markey argues, forces tech companies to decide between risking lawsuits by continuing to provide TikTok services or shutting it down altogether, which is unfair to both companies and users.
The controversy surrounding TikTok stems from concerns that the app could be used by hostile foreign governments to influence young Americans. Recent trends on the platform have shown a significant amount of biased content, particularly regarding issues like Uyghur, Hong Kong protests, and the Gaza conflict. Markey believes Trump should have gone through Congress to extend the deadline instead of issuing an executive order.
Meanwhile, Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat and member of the House select committee on China, thinks the extension is a good thing but would have preferred it to be done through legislation. Senator Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, emphasizes the need to remove TikTok’s algorithm from Chinese government control.
A group of 12 Republican lawmakers, including members of the House select committee on China, issued a joint statement saying the extension must comply with US law and ensure the Chinese Communist Party cannot access American user data or manipulate the information Americans receive. They will be monitoring the details of the TikTok sale agreement.
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