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In his typically vague-yet-ominous way, Donald Trump said his administration is "looking at" whether it might make a decision to shut down TikTok in the United States.
The social media app is owned by a Chinese firm – though allegedly run by an American CEO. US officials have raised concerns about the Chinese government tapping into private and personal data via Americans' cell phones via such smart phone applications.
The president called the actions of that and other big technology companies "very bad," but did not get into specifics. He has in the past accused them of censoring conservatives.
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Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently issued a warning for Americans who use TikTok.
"With respect to Chinese apps on people's cell phones, I can assure you the United States will get this one right too, Laura," he said. "I don't want to get out in front of the President [Donald Trump], but it's something we're looking at."
Some GOP lawmakers also have been outspoken about TikTok.
Republican Senator Josh Hawley has pushed a bill that would ban federal employees from using the app on their government phones.
Instead of spamming you stream of consciousness (sorry), I typed you up this graf:
Congress is also wary of the Chinese-owned social media app.
An amendment from GOP Congressman Ken Buck banning federal employees from downloading the app on their government phones made it into the Democratic-controlled House's version of the annual defence spending bill that passed earlier this month.
A Senate Homeland Security subcommittee approved a twin bill in that chamber last week.
"TikTok is a major security risk to the United States, and it has no place on government devices," Mr Hawley said in March, when he introduced his bill.
aredna on July 29th, 2020 at 16:09 UTC »
Regardless of your opinion on TikTok or spyware, I'm worried about the precedent being set where government can ban apps.
It's easy to start with one that everyone believes is horrible.
But what about when the government next accuses your favorite news site of gathering information, but it's against whomever is in charge?
Step by step the government can now control all media you consume - and that's not good whatever your beliefs are.
TH3PhilipJFry on July 29th, 2020 at 14:37 UTC »
I'd laugh if this was the move that actually lost him the election
ChineseSpyware on July 29th, 2020 at 14:32 UTC »
Ludicrous move.
TikTok is absolutely safe and your friend.
Please keep using.