Three-Way Split on Banning TikTok
A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that U.S. adults have mixed views on whether TikTok should operate in the country. The poll shows that 31% of adults would support a nationwide ban on TikTok, while 35% would oppose such a ban. Additionally, 31% neither favor nor oppose a ban on the popular video-sharing app owned by ByteDance based in Beijing.
Concerns Over TikTok’s Chinese Ownership
The discussion surrounding a potential ban on TikTok gained momentum last year when Western lawmakers, governments, and regulators expressed concerns about Chinese laws that could compromise user data. Despite lacking specific evidence, critics argue that the app could be exploited to benefit the Chinese government’s interests or manipulate certain topics. TikTok has vehemently defended itself, stating that it has never shared data with the Chinese government and has taken measures to separate U.S. user data from its parent company.
Ongoing Review and Congressional Efforts
The White House has confirmed an ongoing review of TikTok by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. Furthermore, bipartisan legislation granting the Commerce Department the power to review and potentially restrict TikTok’s use was stalled due to opposition from industry and digital rights groups. However, at least 36 states, the federal government, and some other countries have already implemented bans on TikTok for government devices.
Generational Divide on Data Privacy Concerns
According to the poll, TikTok users, majority of whom are younger, are less concerned about the app sharing American user data compared to the overall adult population. Roughly 25% of daily users express extreme or significant concern about the Chinese government obtaining personal information, whereas this figure reaches almost 50% among all U.S. adults.
Biden Campaign’s Use of TikTok
The Biden campaign has acknowledged using a separate cellphone for TikTok to isolate the app and take additional security measures. However, some Republicans have criticized this decision, with concerns about security still raised by Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner. TikTok has stated that it has made progress in securing protected U.S. user data.
Concerns Over Children’s Usage and Misinformation
The poll reveals that approximately 60% of U.S. adults and 41% of daily TikTok users are extremely or very concerned about the amount of time children and teenagers spend on the app. Additionally, a majority of adults express concerns about the spread of misinformation and dangerous or illegal activities witnessed on the platform. TikTok has implemented time limits for minors and is partnering with fact-checking organizations to combat misinformation.
Overall, the poll highlights the divided opinions among U.S. adults regarding the operation of TikTok. While the Biden campaign embraces the platform to engage younger voters, concerns over data privacy and national security persist.