Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) recently appeared on The Glenn Beck Show to discuss the ongoing concerns surrounding the popular social media platform, TikTok. Rubio expressed his views on various aspects related to TikTok and its potential threats, shedding light on the national security implications involved.

Rubio emphasized the importance of addressing the ties between TikTok and its parent company ByteDance, stating, “I’ve been calling for this [sale] since 2019. But having a debate about this is a good thing.” He underscored the risks associated with allowing Chinese telecommunication companies to operate in the U.S., pointing out the security concerns posed by such entities.

Regarding the ownership of TikTok's algorithm by ByteDance, Rubio highlighted the significant issue lies not within the app itself but in the AI algorithm that drives the platform. He expressed apprehension about the algorithm being controlled by a company headquartered in China, emphasizing the potential for it to be weaponized against the U.S. in times of crisis.

Rubio also addressed the broader challenges posed by tech giants like Google, emphasizing the need to hold such companies accountable for their actions. He distinguished between the issues with Big Tech and the specific national security risks presented by TikTok's algorithm being controlled by a foreign entity.

In discussing the proposed TikTok legislation, Rubio stressed the importance of ensuring that any measures taken address the threat from China while also safeguarding against potential misuse. He clarified that the focus of the legislation is on preventing ownership of the algorithm by a company tied to a foreign adversary, particularly highlighting concerns related to China's national security laws.

Rubio reiterated that the legislation does not aim to censor content on TikTok but rather seeks to limit the control of the algorithm by entities subject to foreign adversarial influence. He underscored the need to confront the real threat posed by China's strategic objectives and emphasized the importance of protecting national interests in the face of evolving challenges.

In conclusion, Rubio's insights during his appearance on The Glenn Beck Show shed light on the intricate national security considerations surrounding TikTok and underscored the imperative of addressing these issues to safeguard American interests.