Chinese influence through TikTok
The United States (US) has been closely monitoring TikTok for its ability to influence the population, especially the youth. US intelligence officials have accused the Chinese government of using the social network to influence the 2022 midterm elections and have warned that Beijing could try to interfere in this year’s elections with the intention of ‘widen the divisions of American society.
Report of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
A report recently released to Congress by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence alleges that the Chinese government used Chinese-origin app accounts to harm both Democratic and Republican candidates during the 2018 election. 2022.
Possible future interference
The report also warns that the Chinese government could try to influence upcoming US elections, especially those in 2024, with the intention of harming critics of China and widening divisions in American society.
Reactions and possible measures
This accusation has sparked a renewed debate in Washington about a possible ban on TikTok in the United States. The Lower House is considering a bill that would force TikTok to divest itself of its Chinese ownership if it wants to avoid a ban in the US country.
If this project is approved, the company that owns TikTok, ByteDance, would have 180 days to sell the app. With about 170 million users in the United States, TikTok has become one of the most popular social networks in the world, especially among young people.
