Rep. Ro Khanna voiced his skepticism about the effectiveness of the TikTok bill recently passed by the House of Representatives. He emphasized the need for alternative legislation to safeguard Americans’ privacy from foreign interference.
The bill in question aimed to compel ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest its ownership of the app under threat of a nationwide ban. Concerns about potential data sharing with the Chinese government fueled this legislative push. However, ByteDance vehemently refutes these allegations.
Representing Silicon Valley, Rep. Khanna voted against the bill due to First Amendment concerns, despite its broad bipartisan support. He outlined two key national security issues: the risk of data reaching the Chinese government and the potential for Chinese influence on algorithms. Khanna proposed a targeted approach to address these concerns.
His proposed legislation would prohibit the transfer of data to foreign entities and prevent foreign interference in social media platforms. Moreover, it would extend regulations to cover data brokers selling information to Chinese companies. Khanna argued that the current bill fails to adequately address these critical issues.
The debate surrounding TikTok’s national security implications intensified in Congress, resulting in the bill’s passage in the House. However, its fate in the Senate remains uncertain, with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer yet to schedule a vote. The bill would require substantial bipartisan support, which is still uncertain.
In the House, the bill garnered support from both China skeptics and free speech advocates. Despite this, critics like Khanna argue that a more nuanced approach is necessary.
Khanna advocated for a comprehensive solution involving multiple steps to address the complex challenges posed by apps like TikTok.
Khanna proposed a three-pronged approach to address concerns regarding data privacy and foreign influence in social media platforms like TikTok. Firstly, he advocated for the passage of a law to prohibit apps like TikTok, Facebook, or YouTube from collecting user data.
He highlighted that such legislation has languished in the House Commerce Committee for years without progress.
Secondly, Khanna called for legislation to hold companies like Oracle and TikTok accountable if there is evidence of data being transferred to China. He emphasized the need for civil or criminal liability in such cases.
Thirdly, he suggested enacting a law to prohibit any involvement of Chinese nationals or foreign individuals in manipulating algorithms used by social media platforms. Khanna argued that such manipulation, if proven, should be deemed illegal.
When questioned about the feasibility of crafting and passing such legislation, Khanna expressed confidence, stating that it would be “easier” compared to the current bill. He emphasized that passing a law prohibiting data transfer and collection would effectively address the problem at hand.
Khanna also highlighted the concerns of app users who fear that a potential ban would not only impact the platform but also their businesses. He dismissed the notion that users could easily migrate to alternative apps, citing differences in audience and indicating potential challenges in such a transition.
He also shed light on other issues, stating that there are larger issues to than TikTok. “The frustration is that we haven’t been able to pass these data privacy laws. … We haven’t passed the laws to ban foreign interference,” he said.
“President Biden, now, and his team, are shifting and understanding that [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s policies have not been in the interests of protecting civilian life, that too many innocent civilians have died, and he has finally called for a cease-fire with the release of hostages, and they’re being heard,” noted Khanna.
He also added “Now, it’s obvious that I have had disagreements with President Biden on this,” “But here’s what I know: At least he’s listening. Donald Trump wouldn’t listen,” said Khanna, who has called for a permanent cease-fire.
