A Three-Way Split on Banning TikTok
The Biden campaign is making a push to reach younger voters by embracing TikTok, but a recent poll by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals mixed views among US adults on whether the video-sharing app should even be allowed to operate in the country. The poll found that 31% of respondents favor a nationwide ban on TikTok, while 35% oppose such action. Another 31% remain neutral on the matter. These findings highlight the division among Americans regarding the controversial social media platform, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance.
Concerns Over Data Sharing and Propaganda
Talks of banning TikTok gained momentum last year as Western lawmakers and regulators raised concerns about Chinese laws that could potentially require the company to share user data with the Chinese government. However, no specific evidence of such incidents has been provided. Critics of TikTok also argue that the platform could be used to spread propaganda in favor of the Chinese government or manipulate certain topics. TikTok has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that it has never shared data with the Chinese government and has implemented measures to ensure the separation of US user data from its parent company.
TikTok’s Defense and Ongoing Review
TikTok has taken steps to address security concerns by storing new user data on servers maintained by Oracle and establishing a separate entity to oversee US user data. Despite these efforts, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US is currently conducting a review of the platform. Last year, it threatened to ban TikTok if its Chinese owners did not divest their stakes. Meanwhile, congressional efforts to enforce a broader ban were stalled due to opposition from industry groups, digital rights organizations, and lawmakers.
TikTok Users Less Worried About Data Sharing
The AP-NORC poll reveals a generational divide when it comes to concerns over data sharing. Approximately 25% of daily TikTok users expressed extreme or high levels of concern about the Chinese government obtaining their personal information, compared to about 50% of US adults overall. This difference in perception reflects the platform’s predominantly younger user base.
Support for Limited TikTok Ban on Government Devices
A majority of US adults, 56%, support a limited ban on TikTok usage on government devices, such as computers and phones used by government employees. This approach has been implemented by several states, the federal government, and other countries, including the European Union. Roughly 25% of US adults remain neutral on the matter, while 17% oppose the ban.
Security Concerns and Biden Campaign’s Response
Concerns about TikTok’s security persist, and some Republican lawmakers have criticized the Biden campaign for using the app. Despite these criticisms, the campaign has taken precautions by using a separate cellphone for TikTok and implementing additional security measures. TikTok has also emphasized the progress it has made in protecting US user data and hopes that policymakers will recognize these efforts.
Other Concerns: Misinformation and Teen Usage
The poll found that a significant percentage of adults, 59%, are concerned about the spread of misinformation on TikTok, while about half worry about dangerous or illegal activities depicted on the platform. A majority of adults, 60%, including 41% of daily TikTok users, express concern over the amount of time children and teenagers spend on the app. TikTok has responded by implementing time limits for minors and partnering with fact-checking organizations to counter misinformation.
Overall, the poll highlights the complex attitudes towards TikTok in the US and the challenges faced by politicians in addressing these concerns effectively.
