More US States Ban TikTok on Govt. Devices

Image copyright: Dado Ruvic/Reuters

The Facts

  • On Monday, Louisiana and West Virginia became the latest states to ban TikTok on government devices amid concerns data obtained by the Chinese-owned social media app may fall into the hands of its government.

  • This aligns with the Senate's decision last week to ban the app on government devices. The bill still needs approval from the House before going to Pres. Joe Biden. Additionally, the House would need to pass the bill before the current congressional session ends, which is expected this week.


The Spin

Anti-China narrative

TikTok is a trojan horse for the Chinese Communist Party, and its presence is a major security risk to the US. The company must be forced to sever ties with China completely before it can be allowed on government devices. Besides the fact that TikTok is essentially digital fentanyl for America's youth, it is a direct line for the Chinese government to spy on US citizens.

Pro-China narrative

The faux outrage against TikTok is just another facet of the US's anti-China hysteria. TikTok is one of the most popular apps in the world, and it would be patently absurd to believe that it is being used as a "trojan horse" against US citizens. It is ironic that American companies, as well as the US government, who constantly spy on US citizens, are now blaming China for the very thing they themselves are guilty of.


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