TikTok Is a Threat to National Security, Says FCC's Carr

Summary

In a detailed conversation, a commissioner outlines concerns about TikTok's national security threat, citing instances where US user data was reportedly accessed by Beijing, despite assurances of data protection. The discussion covers TikTok's alleged failure to segregate US data effectively through Project Texas, and touches on broader issues like free speech, legislative action against TikTok, and the potential impacts of divestment. The commissioner argues that the core issue is TikTok's conduct under CCP influence, rather than content censorship, emphasizing the need for robust policy responses to safeguard national security while maintaining competitive digital spaces.

Takeaways

• 📈 TikTok has been labeled a national security threat due to its alleged mishandling of U.S. user data, including keystrokes, biometrics, and browsing history.
• 🛡️ Despite claims of U.S. user data being safeguarded, reports suggest that Beijing personnel still access sensitive information, contradicting the promise of data protection.
• 📝 Project Texas, an initiative to wall off U.S. user data from Beijing access, has been criticized as ineffective, likened to being as 'secure as a sieve'.
• 📚 Bipartisan concern exists in Capitol Hill, with discussions around free speech and the constitutionality of regulating TikTok based on its conduct rather than content.
• 🔨 The proposed legislation focuses on divestment rather than an outright ban, aiming to secure TikTok for American use without the national security risks.
• 📲 Former President Trump's ambivalence towards TikTok contrasts with his administration's efforts to address the influence of the CCP and big tech's conduct.
• 📰 The slow legislative response to TikTok's issues reflects broader challenges in dealing with tech threats and contrasts with China's straightforward approach to banning U.S. tech companies.
• 💾 Bipartisan support in the Senate for addressing TikTok's national security concerns suggests promising prospects for legislative action.
• 📖 The debate around TikTok involves distinguishing between content issues and conduct issues, with the focus on the latter as evidence of CCP control.
• 🔒 The analogy of using a pen for writing versus illegal activities illustrates the government's stance on differentiating between free speech and harmful conduct.

Q & A

Why does the Commissioner consider TikTok a clear and present danger to national security?

The Commissioner considers TikTok a clear and present danger to national security due to its track record of misleading claims about U.S. user data not existing in China, leaked materials showing that such data is accessible in China, and instances of the CCP using data to surveil Americans. Additionally, efforts like Project Texas intended to secure data have been ineffective.

What was the significance of the blockbuster report released in 2022 regarding TikTok?

The blockbuster report released in 2022 was significant because it exposed that contrary to previous assurances, U.S. user data on TikTok was accessible inside China, including keystroke patterns, biometrics, search history, and location data, contradicting TikTok's claims that U.S. user data was not stored or accessible in China.

What is Project Texas, and why has it been criticized?

Project Texas is an initiative by TikTok to segregate U.S. user data and protect it from being accessed by personnel in Beijing, aiming to enhance data security. It has been criticized because, despite its intentions, reports emerged that Beijing personnel still accessed sensitive U.S. user data, rendering the project ineffective.

How did the Commissioner respond to concerns about free speech related to the regulation of TikTok?

The Commissioner argued that the regulation of TikTok does not trigger First Amendment concerns because it is based on conduct (due to national security threats) rather than the content of speech. He emphasized that the legislation is conduct-based, narrowly tailored, and allows Americans to continue using TikTok in a more secure manner.

What is the stance of the Biden administration on using TikTok, considering the national security risks?

The Biden administration acknowledges the national security risks posed by TikTok but sees value in its ability to reach younger audiences. The passage of a bill requiring divestment of TikTok aims to mitigate these risks, allowing campaigns, including Biden's, to use TikTok securely.

What are former President Trump's views on TikTok and the proposed bill?

Former President Trump has had mixed views on TikTok, recognizing both its potential benefits and drawbacks. While he initiated actions against TikTok during his tenure, his recent comments suggest ambiguity. However, the current bill's focus on divestment rather than an outright ban could align with addressing his concerns about maintaining competition in the tech industry.

How does the Commissioner differentiate between content and conduct in the context of TikTok's operation?

The Commissioner differentiates by stating that concerns are not about the content generated or shared on TikTok but about the conduct, particularly the control and misuse of data by the CCP. He argues that the way TikTok's algorithm operates, possibly influenced by CCP interests, is a matter of conduct, not content censorship.

Why has there been slow progress in addressing national security concerns related to TikTok?

Progress has been slow due to the complex nature of the issue, Bytedance's lobbying efforts, and legislative challenges in Congress. Unlike China's straightforward approach to banning U.S. tech companies, the U.S. system requires more considered, slower-moving processes to address such concerns while balancing rights and security.

What is the anticipated outcome of the bill concerning TikTok in the Senate?

The Commissioner is optimistic about the bill's prospects in the Senate, noting bipartisan concern over TikTok's national security threat, including previous expressions of concern from leaders like Senator Schumer. The bill's focus on divestment rather than a ban is seen as a balanced approach to addressing the issue.

How does the concept of divestment work in the context of TikTok's regulation?

Divestment involves requiring TikTok to be sold to a company not tied to countries of concern, like China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran. This approach aims to eliminate national security threats while maintaining TikTok's presence in the market as a counterweight to other big tech companies, without imposing a complete ban.