Findlay Times

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) and a bipartisan coalition introduced the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, aimed at safeguarding the U.S. from apps controlled by foreign adversaries, including TikTok. The bill seeks to prevent app store availability or web hosting services in the U.S. for ByteDance-controlled applications unless they sever ties with entities subject to the control of a foreign adversary.

Latta emphasized the national security risks posed by TikTok's connection to the Chinese Communist Party, stating, "When TikTok’s CEO came before the Energy and Commerce Committee last year, he readily admitted to me that ByteDance employees in China have access to U.S. user data." He added, "TikTok and its ties to Communist China poses a clear and present danger to U.S. national security and is threatening the privacy of millions of Americans."

Chairman Mike Gallagher echoed these concerns, issuing a strong message to TikTok, saying, "break up with the Chinese Communist Party or lose access to your American users." He emphasized the need to sever ties with CCP-controlled ByteDance to ensure national security.

Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi highlighted the bipartisan effort to protect American social media users from potential threats, stating, "Our bipartisan legislation would protect American social media users by driving the divestment of foreign adversary-controlled apps to ensure that Americans are protected from digital surveillance and influence operations."

The bill, co-led by a diverse group of representatives from both parties, aims to address the immediate national security risks posed by TikTok and create a process for the President to safeguard Americans’ national security and privacy from foreign adversary-controlled applications in the future.

The legislation incentivizes divestment of TikTok and establishes a process for the President to designate other foreign adversary-controlled social media applications that pose national security risks. It empowers users to switch platforms and does not punish individual social media users or censor speech.

The bipartisan coalition's efforts underscore the shared commitment to protecting American citizens from the potential threats posed by foreign adversary-controlled applications like TikTok. The bill represents a significant step towards safeguarding national security and privacy in the digital age.