Washington — Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat who heads the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed concerns about the potential sale of TikTok following congressional action, deeming the situation as "complex." Warner suggested that allowing up to a year for any transaction to take place would be a prudent approach.
The popular video-sharing app, owned by a Chinese company, has long been a target of U.S. officials over fears that the Chinese government could exploit its data to influence or spy on American citizens. The scrutiny on TikTok has intensified on Capitol Hill in recent months, presenting a significant challenge to its operations.
Senator Warner highlighted the potential national security risks posed by the app, particularly its widespread use among American youth.
"Granting the Communist Party such a powerful propaganda tool, along with access to the personal data of 170 million Americans, represents a significant national security threat," Warner stated during his appearance on "Face the Nation" on Sunday.
House Approves Bill That Could Force Sale or Ban of TikTok in U.S.
The House on Saturday approved a bill as part of a foreign aid package that is now headed to the Senate, potentially leading to the sale or ban of TikTok in the U.S. Lawmakers voted 360 to 58 in favor of the measure, which also addressed other foreign policy priorities.
The House had previously approved similar legislation earlier this year, but the bill faced challenges in the Senate. However, the Senate is expected to consider the foreign aid package containing the TikTok provisions soon, increasing the likelihood of swift passage. President Biden has signaled his intention to sign the package into law.
Advocates for TikTok have been lobbying against the legislation, expressing concerns about the impact of restrictions on the app. Senator Warner highlighted the creativity and economic opportunities on TikTok, emphasizing the need to ensure that the platform is not controlled by the Communist Party of China.
