Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott and Senator Jim Banks have formally requested an investigation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) into foreign entities of concern that broadcast on U.S. airwaves. In a letter addressed to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the senators expressed concerns over national security risks posed by these entities and urged the FCC to use its authority to prevent future collaborations between such entities and television networks.

The request follows the airing of three commercials during Super Bowl 2024 by Temu, a Chinese e-commerce platform with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The senators noted that Temu spent around $21 million on advertisements and offered $15 million in giveaways, highlighting concerns about the company's business practices. They claimed that Temu floods the U.S. market with goods produced through forced labor in China while exploiting legal loopholes to avoid compliance with U.S. labor laws.

The letter also pointed out that Pinduoduo (PDD), Temu's parent company based in China, has been listed for seven consecutive years on the U.S. Trade Representative’s Notorious Markets List due to allegations of intellectual property theft and selling counterfeit goods.

The senators emphasized their belief that U.S. airwaves should be considered a national security asset, urging action from the FCC to investigate whether such foreign entities pose significant threats to American public safety.

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