Democratic Congresswoman Mikey Sherrill addressed concerns about the potential ban of TikTok in the United States, emphasizing that the goal is not to completely ban the platform but rather to ensure that the Chinese Communist Party divests from it. The Congresswoman highlighted the importance of safeguarding sensitive personal data of Americans, citing the example of Grindr, which had to be sold when Chinese investors acquired it due to data privacy concerns.
Sherrill reassured users that TikTok is expected to remain in wide use by Americans post-divestment, with enhanced data protection measures in place to align with American values of freedom of speech and association. She emphasized the need for a secure platform that respects democratic principles and protects user data.
Furthermore, Sherrill pointed out the potential risks associated with foreign interference in elections, referencing reports of TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, allegedly manipulating elections in Taiwan. She highlighted the former president's shifting stance on TikTok, noting his previous attempts to ban the platform and recent indications of support, raising concerns about potential election interference.
The Congresswoman underscored the importance of safeguarding democratic values and preventing foreign adversaries from influencing American elections. By advocating for the divestment of TikTok from the Chinese Communist Party, Sherrill aims to ensure that the platform continues to be accessible to users while upholding data privacy and democratic principles.
