China-US tensions set to be defining issue of our time – and TikTok ‘threat’ is alarming Washington | US News
A revealing exchange outlined why top US intelligence officials believe TikTok is a threat to US national security.
The vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Marco Rubio, asked FBI Director, Christopher Wray, a few simple questions.
(LR) Chairman Mark Warner listens as Vice Chairman Marco Rubio speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing. Photo: AP
Rubio: “Can they use TikTok to control the data of millions of users?”
FBI Director: “Yes.”
Rubio: “Could they use it to control software on millions of devices if given the opportunity to do so?”
FBI Director: “Yes.”
Rubio: “Can they use it to promote stories like dividing Americans among themselves? For example, let’s say China wants to invade Taiwan, to make sure that Americans are watching the video of the debate in Taiwan. Why does Taiwan belong to China; why shouldn’t the United States intervene?”
FBI Director: “Yes.”
It was one of countless moments when the globally popular and Chinese-owned social media app appeared at the commission’s annual hearing on worldwide threats, with the words: statements from all the leaders of the key intelligence community agencies.
(LR) FBI Director Christopher Wray, National Security Agency Director Paul Nakasone, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, CIA Director William Burns and Defense Intelligence Agency Director Scott Berrier
TikTok threat provide a tangible headline and will resonate with millions of TikTok users in America and more.
Indeed, there is more than a little worry about the political implications of the US government’s decision to ban the app in the US.
How will young voters react when they are told they can’t use the app they seem addicted to? The intelligence chiefs’ response to that was essentially ‘telling them that China is gobbling up all of their personal data’.
But beyond the TikTok title, the central theme throughout this hearing was China.
3D printed TikTok logo seen in front of US flag
Read more:
FBI director warns TikTok to ‘scream’ over US national security concerns
China accuses US of ‘abusing state power’ after TikTok ban
TikTok banned from using phones by the EU Commission over cyberattack concerns
This Capitol Hill scene offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the top US and Chinese intelligence officials repeated over and over again.
Of course, there was talk about Russia, Irandomestic extreme terrorist threats and even the strain on American society over gun violence and use of opioids. (There have been more than 100 mass shootings in the US this year, and 100,000 Americans die every year from drug abuse. Accept that.)
But the main theme throughout the two-hour televised hearings with the senators was the threat posed by the government in Beijing.
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Why is TikTok banned?
It sometimes feels almost inevitable for future conflict with China.
Cable channels kept shouting ‘The Chinese threat’.
spy bubbleshot down, is pushing geopolitical tensions to the limit.
China’s land rights in the US are angering politicians. The race for the most sophisticated Artificial intelligence (AI) has real consequences.
Some say forget love between Ukraine and the West; If it’s not a side performance then it’s a harbinger of what could happen to China.
The China-US relationship is considered the decisive issue of our time and of our children and grandchildren.
