Even as the popular social media app TikTok faces a potential ban in the U.S., the platform is ramping up its election resources ahead of Election Day. That includes a new elections page, enhanced verification of candidates, and an effort to fight potential "misinformation." This comes a few months after Congress overwhelmingly passed, and President Biden signed, a bill that would ban TikTok in the U.S. if it does not divest of its Chinese ownership within 165 days. TikTok is suing to block the bill, leaving the ultimate fate of the app in limbo.
At the same time, TikTok continues to gain popularity and influence over younger voters, many of whom get most or all of their political news and content from the platform. Critics warn this only makes TikTok more dangerous because of its ties to the Chinese government. "There is a reality that China does not allow free speech and social media platforms in its country, and we should not allow it to not only significanly persuade our citizens, but also to be used to advance their own propaganda here," says Luke Macias, host and political analyst.
Macias tells KTRH this is only the latest avenue for the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate and gain control in the U.S. "They take everything they can, that's why they've bought millions of acres of farmland, that's why they buy a lot of our other property close to grid and infrastructure," he continues. "These people are smart, they're cunning, and they intend to cause harm to our nation."
"So people are right to be very concerned about their actions ahead of the election."
Photo: AFP