The reason behind the TikTok ban
The push to ban TikTok in the U.S. is driven by concerns over anti-Semitic content following the Hamas attack on Israel, rather than solely its Chinese ownership, critics argue.
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The recent push to ban TikTok in the U.S. has been linked more to concerns over anti-Semitic content following Hamas' attack on Israel than to its Chinese ownership. Congressional insiders revealed that the legislation aimed at banning TikTok gained momentum after the October 7 attack, which highlighted the platform's role in disseminating content perceived as anti-Israel. Senator Mark Warner and former Congressman Mike Gallagher noted that the bill was stagnant until the attack prompted bipartisan support, with Gallagher emphasizing that Israeli officials blamed TikTok's algorithm for fostering youth opposition to Israel. Despite the claims of national security threats from China, critics argue that the concerns are largely unfounded and that the real motivation behind the ban is to suppress dissenting views and protect Israel's image. The Biden administration has been accused of using the Chinese ownership narrative as a cover for these actions. The classified briefings provided to Congress, which were pivotal in advancing the legislation, have been criticized for lacking unique evidence against TikTok compared to other social media platforms. The situation reflects a broader struggle over free speech and the influence of social media on public opinion, particularly regarding sensitive geopolitical issues.
- The TikTok ban is primarily driven by concerns over anti-Semitic content, not just its Chinese ownership.
- Bipartisan support for the ban surged after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
- Israeli officials have blamed TikTok's algorithm for youth opposition to Israel.
- Critics argue that the national security threats posed by TikTok are largely hypothetical.
- The Biden administration's justification for the ban has been seen as a cover for suppressing dissenting views.
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11 commentsYour title should be "TikTok Ban Fueled by Israel, Not China", not "The reason behind the TikTok ban".
But the article is reaching by asserting that pro Israeli lobbyists have outsized sway and we banned Tik-Tok as a favor to an ally. There are other factors that freak out American politicians and their constituents (I just wish they were equally freaked out by American corporations doing the same things wrt surveillance and behavior modification)
If only US politicians were so united in protecting America as they are in protecting Israel.
Lo and behold they were able to do that on TikTok and now they care.
It's not. It started by Trump around 2020 trying to challenge China trade and being considered a propaganda asset.
Democrats later used the argument for their own benefit.
Edit: I'm at least thankfull the admins have restored the post.
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