Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in an interview on Wednesday that the bill, which is causing a lot of disagreement, would force TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S., and this would be beneficial for the users.
After a private briefing for senators on TikTok, Cruz argued that it would be good for the app’s users to block the Chinese Communist Party from having control over the app’s content, and this would enhance the app experience for the users.
Cruz stated in an interview on Fox News with Brett Baier that the purpose is not to get rid of TikTok, but to make China sell it and get it under the control of an American company or any entity other than China or an enemy of America, all for the benefit of the app’s users and everyone else.
Cruz emphasized the importance of this action and how it would benefit the users of TikTok and others.
Cruz expressed two concerns about China’s connection to the app: the threat of espionage and surveillance by the Chinese Communist Party on the 170 million Americans who use TikTok.
He voiced his worries about the privacy risk to Americans due to China’s ability to monitor what users are doing on their phones, saying it's a real concern that many Americans may not be aware of.
Additionally, Cruz expressed concern about China's propaganda efforts, both for its own benefit and in ways that are harmful to children.
Cruz mentioned that harmful content is being pushed to children, including self-harm and dangerous challenges like the tide pod challenge.
Cruz’s comments align with those of many other senators who are trying to change the perception of the bipartisan House-passed TikTok bill, emphasizing that it still allows ByteDance 165 days to divest TikTok and keep the app running in the U.S.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner (D-Va.) emphasized that their main focus is to clarify to the public, especially the approximately 170 million TikTok users in the U.S., that the bill is not intended to take away their creativity or ability to make money from using the platform.
Warner stressed that the bill is aimed at ensuring that the creativity on the platform cannot be manipulated by the Chinese Communist Party.
Their effort to change the narrative follows the company's campaign on the app, urging users to contact their lawmakers to oppose the bill, which the company labeled a “TikTok shutdown.”
The Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act quickly passed through the House, receiving unanimous committee approval just days after being introduced, and less than a week later passing in a 352-65 vote on the floor.
Cruz mentioned that he anticipates the Commerce Committee to review the bill at some point, and hopefully allow for changes to be made.
“I’m not sure if the exact wording passed by the House will become law, but I’m pleased that the House is taking action to address this very serious threat,” he said.
