Biden’s Campaign Adopts TikTok Despite National Security Concerns
President Joe Biden’s 2024 campaign has ventured onto TikTok, despite his prior national security reservations about the platform that led to its ban on federal devices. Although Biden is not anticipated to make a personal appearance on the platform, aides clarified that neither will other members of his administration. The campaign’s TikTok account will be managed exclusively by the campaign team, aiming to connect with voters in an increasingly diverse American populace, especially as younger demographics gravitate towards newer platforms.
Security Measures in Place Amid Concerns
The FBI and the Federal Communications Commission have expressed concerns about TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, potentially sharing user data with the Chinese government. Despite Biden’s 2022 prohibition on TikTok for the federal government’s employees, with exceptions for specific purposes, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States continues to scrutinize the app. While Biden’s campaign has assured the implementation of advanced security measures, specific details regarding these precautions remain undisclosed.
Focus on Social Media and Targeted Outreach
The campaign’s BidenHQ account will be actively posting content on TikTok, in addition to maintaining a presence on other platforms such as Meta’s Threads, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Truth Social. Campaign efforts also concentrate on engaging social media influencers to amplify the president’s message and hosting smaller events to engage target voters who may not rely on traditional media outlets.