Trump Administration Considers Restricting Certain Social Media Apps

Yesterday, the Trump Administration announced they’re considering restricting social media apps such as TikTok. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo suggested during an interview that they’re looking into reports of Chinese social media applications potentially being used by the government to surveil and propagandize users, including TikTok. It’s reported India has already banned the app and Australia is considering doing the same as well. A top Washington diplomat has further warned Americans not to download the app unless “you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese communist party.” A TikTok spokesperson has already come out with a strong statement saying the app “is led by an American CEO, with hundreds of employees and key leaders…here in the U.S. We have no higher priority than promoting a safe and secure app experience for our users. We have never provided user data to the Chinese government, nor would we do so if asked.”