During efforts to ban TikTok in the U.S., Wisconsin Congressman Mike Gallagher compared the app to “digital fentanyl.”
On NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday, Gallagher criticized the Chinese-owned social media platform for the negative effects it has on children and teens in the country, as well as for collecting copious amounts of data, according to the Daily Wire.
Congressional action is needed to ban the app nationwide, according to him.
Among the concerns Gallagher raised about TikTok are that the Chinese government could easily access and save sensitive data about American citizens.
In addition, he argued that Americans using the app might not be getting the information they need if they are not exposed to other news sources.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr warned in the past that TikTok operates as a sophisticated surveillance tool. It should be noted that over 100 million people use Tiktok in the country.
So far, TikTok has been banned for use on government devices for members of congress and employees in select states.
Rep. Mike Gallagher strongly believes that banning Tiktok is the only way to protect national security and the digital privacy of citizens throughout the United States. As he said, Tiktok represents a clear and present danger to our digital sovereignty and national security. While it may be entertaining for many young people, it presents a much more sobering risk. It is not just about personal data being stolen, but China also has easy spy access that could potentially have disastrous long term effects on Americans. The potential threat can no longer be ignored – this ban is an urgent matter that must be addressed immediately.
