Rep. Mike Turner warns TikTok remains a national security threat
- Rep. Mike Turner stated that TikTok poses significant national security risks due to its access to data and propaganda capabilities.
- Recent actions include TikTok's temporary service shutdown amid divestiture deadlines and President Trump's intervention to maintain the app's operations.
- Turner concluded that divestiture from ByteDance is necessary to protect U.S. citizens from potential data exploitation by China.
In the United States on January 26, 2025, Rep. Mike Turner, the former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, emphasized TikTok as a continuing national security concern. During an interview on 'Face the Nation' with Margaret Brennan, Turner highlighted the dual threats posed by TikTok: its access to user data and its capability to serve as a propaganda tool for the Chinese government. He referred to recent obligations mandated by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court for ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its holdings. This law was established due to broad concerns over data security and the potential manipulation of information. Recent developments indicate that TikTok initially ceased U.S. operations facing a divestiture deadline imposed by Congress, but quickly resumed services following hints from President Trump about an intervention on behalf of the app. The new president later signed an executive order directing the Justice Department not to enforce the divestiture law for a period of 75 days, indicating a complicated maneuver that might allow for negotiations to save the app, as Trump acknowledged a favorable perception of TikTok among young voters. Turner expressed his desire for a resolution that would emphasize national security without allowing China to retain access to American user data. Turner's remarks about the implications of the president's plans show a split in priorities between securing national safety and appeasing a platform that many Americans use daily. Turner has voiced his challenges with the new direction of the Intelligence Committee following his dismissal as chairman, raising concerns that the committee might redirect its focus away from substantial national security threats like those posed by foreign adversaries including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Overall, the tensions surrounding TikTok reflect broader conflicts in U.S. politics regarding cybersecurity, foreign influence, and the balancing act between protecting citizens and maintaining popular digital platforms. The ongoing situation underscores a significant challenge for the U.S. government, which needs to address threats while managing public sentiment towards platforms that offer personal freedoms of expression.