TikTok rallies its American users to ‘call your representative now’

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In an unprecedented move, TikTok, the popular social media platform, has urged its American users to “call your representative now”. This plea comes in response to a new bill approved by a US congressional panel that could potentially ban or force the sale of the Chinese-owned app.

 

TikTok’s notification to its users did not specify which legislation it was referring to. However, it is likely related to the bill introduced to the House of Representatives that could ban all Chinese apps based in China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran from U.S. app stores. This includes TikTok, which has millions of US users.

 

 

#tiktokshutdown

 

 

The proposed legislation has sparked controversy, with TikTok arguing that it would hurt free speech and small businesses that rely on the app. In a bold move, TikTok has encouraged its users to voice their opposition to members of Congress4. This has resulted in dozens of calls to congressional offices, overwhelming some phone lines.

 

The bill, which cites national security concerns, has been proposed by a cross-party group of 20 lawmakers who form the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. It was approved unanimously 50-0 by the Energy and Commerce Committee. The Senate would need to approve it before it became law.

 

As the debate continues, one can’t help but wonder: How will this move by TikTok impact the future of social media platforms and their relationship with politics? What are your thoughts on this issue?

 

 

Read more:

• https://www.newsweek.com/tiktok-users-call-congress-complain-1877033
• https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/business/tiktok-phone-calls-congress.html
• https://mashable.com/article/tiktok-call-your-representatives-ban-shutdown

 

 

Top image: Daniel Constante | Dreamstime.com