A bill called “RESTRICT” introduced to Congress could have serious consequences for users of virtual private networks (VPNs) in the United States.
US lawmakers are widening their eyes when it comes to financial and technological crunches.
The bipartisan law “Restricting the emergency of Security Threats that Compromise Information and Communications Technology (RESTRICT)” was unveiled in early March.
Initially it was called “TikTok Ban Bill” (TikTok Bill Prohibition, in Spanish), but it is much broader. Additionally, VPN users could face hefty fines or jail terms under the law.
Focusing on technology and VPN
People often legitimately use VPN (virtual private network) services to add an extra layer of security to Internet communication. In addition, they allow users to personalize or change their web address. This is often necessary to access content that would otherwise be blocked or flagged.
The bill, if approved, would seek to identify “intentions of information and communications technologies and services that pose undue or unacceptable risks.” This could include VPNs if they are used to access restricted sites like TikTok.
In addition, it specifically directs the Secretary of Commerce to “identify, deter, disrupt, prevent, prevent, investigate, or mitigate” national security risks associated with technology with nations hostile to the United States.
He also has a long list of communication technologies that he intends to examine. These include web hosting, cloud services, content delivery services, drones, application solutions, hunting apps, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce.
The restricted act is not limited only to TikTok. It gives the government control over all forms of communication at home or abroad and gives it powers to take “any mitigation measure to address any threat” to national security now and in any “potential future transaction.” pic.twitter.com/0mFNEKLUqU
— Mises Caucus (@LPMisesCaucus) March 26, 2023
Part of the potential punishment for offenders is scary. This includes fines of up to one million dollars or 20 years in prison, or both.
Proceeding With A TikTok Ban
According to reports on March 27, the legislators are promoted in the bibl. This question follows TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s speech last week. The Chinese social media platform has approximately 150,000 users in the United States.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he would go ahead with the bill.
This very CEO of TikTok cannot be honest and admit what we already know to be true – China has access to TikTok user data.
It's very concerning that the CEO of TikTok can't be honest and admit what we already know to be true—China has access to TikTok user data.
The House will be moving forward with legislation to protect Americans from the technological tentacles of the Chinese Communist Party.
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) March 26, 2023
If passed, the new legislation will give the US government broad powers to crack down on any technology and services it deems a threat. Amazingly comprehensive VPN technology.
Opponents of the bill say it would give the state police power over the entire internet and every platform. In addition, some referred to the project as the “Chinaification of America.”
The legislation is eerily similar to that of China, which has some of the toughest internet censorship in the world.
Disclaimer
All information contained on our website is published in good faith and is for general information purposes only. Any activity by reading the information found on our website is strictly at your own risk.
