WASHINGTON, DC – TikTok is entering a public relations campaign to push the possibility of a national ban on Joe Biden’s administration, enlisting the help of some legal advocates: influencers.
Dozens of “tiktokers,” some with millions of followers on the social-communications app, descended on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to lobby for the Chinese platform’s owners, the day before TikTok’s CEO held a hearing with lawmakers on US affairs. to security information and fear about the user reached the hands of the Chinese government.
CEO Shou Zi Chew plans to tell Congress on Thursday that TikTok, which was founded by a Chinese entrepreneur, is credited with user protection and security, and protecting the platform from Beijing’s influence. He will also answer a question from lawmakers concerned about the effects social networking can have on a young user base.
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At the heart of the TikTok issue is China’s national intelligence law that would compel Chinese companies to hand over data to the government for any reason it deems related to national security. There are also those who try to promote Beijing’s pro-China rhetoric or misinformation on the platform.
In an event reported by TikTok on Wednesday, some content creators acknowledged that the security data was legitimate, but pointed out that the company had taken security measures, such as a $1.5 billion project known as the Texas Project, which would send all US national data. owned and maintained servers by software giant Oracle.
TikTok has tried to sell that proposition to the Biden administration, but skeptics argue it’s not enough. It appears the government is clamoring for the company’s Chinese owners to sell their shares or face a national ban.
Influencers gathered at the US Capitol demanding that TikTok continue
Jannette Ok, a fashion and beauty developer at TikTok, said in an interview Wednesday that TikTok invited her to a lobbying event a few weeks ago and paid for her trip to Washington.
Ok has made a career out of his videos, earning revenue from partnerships with brands seeking to catch the eye of his 1.7 million followers. He added that his popularity on TikTok has also allowed him other types of opportunities, such as TV appearances and commercials.
“I don’t know much about politics, but I know a lot about fashion and I know a lot about people,” Well said. “And just being here and sharing my story is what TikTok invited me to do.”
