Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio from Florida has called for action to prevent China from using TikTok against America. In a recent statement, Rubio emphasized the importance of addressing the ownership and control of TikTok by Beijing, highlighting the potential risks it poses to national security and personal liberty.

Rubio expressed concerns over the influence of the Chinese Communist Party through TikTok, drawing parallels to the scenario of allowing Beijing to control major American media outlets like the New York Post or Fox News. He questioned why the U.S. should tolerate Beijing's ownership and control over TikTok, especially considering its significant user base among young Americans.

The Senator also referenced recent legislative developments, noting that the House of Representatives has approved a bill that would compel TikTok and ByteDance to separate or face a ban. Rubio, along with Senator Mark Warner, pledged to push for the bill's passage in the Senate, emphasizing the need to address how ByteDance is utilizing TikTok on behalf of Beijing.

Rubio dispelled misconceptions surrounding the proposed legislation, clarifying that its objective is not to restrict Americans' use of TikTok but to prevent ByteDance from operating the app in a manner that undermines U.S. interests. He highlighted a recent incident where TikTok allegedly influenced users to protest against the app's separation from China, illustrating the platform's potential to interfere in American politics.

In conclusion, Rubio underscored the significance of safeguarding national independence and personal liberty by ensuring that TikTok separates from Beijing. He called on fellow lawmakers to support measures that prevent foreign manipulation through social media platforms, urging a united front in defense of the nation's interests.