U.S. Lawmakers Push for TikTok Ban Transcript

New tonight. A very popular social media platform has already avoided a nationwide ban once.

But now seven states have cracked down and prevented users from downloading TikTok to their phones. Channel 3’s, Bryant Reed has the details.

It’s the most downloaded app in 2022 and its fall could come as quickly as its rise.

So I’m fine with banning it. I think it’s time to be a little bit more concerned about applications that have connections to the Chinese government.

TikTok has catapulted users to fame, but a bill introduced Tuesday would limit its access and even banned the app. Officials say it’s a cybersecurity issue. They say the Chinese run app is a scary one that could steal personal information and government secrets. Quinnipiac University cybersecurity expert, Fred Scholl.

There’s just a higher probability that private information’s going to end up in their hands. The more information they may have, whether they’re getting it through video viewing habits or similar things. It can be used for purposes that aren’t to our benefit.

Scholl says, with the wealth of information that’s out there, it’s worrisome. That piece by piece, those digital breadcrumbs will start to add up.

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But even so, the people who scroll TikTok on a daily basis say they’re not too concerned about it because to them, it’s just not a big deal.

I kind of treat it like any other social media app. There’s no reason to be more scared of it being on my phone than Facebook or Instagram.

You definitely see some stuff on there where you’re like, wow, that’s just out there. Anyone can see that.

Some people do put their whole lives on there. I can’t imagine doing that. I just use a for entertainment.

If there is going to be any type of ban on TikTok in the US the path to do it is how seven states are already implementing.

But I don’t think we can say, you know, can’t use it at home. I mean, that never works, but I think within state governments, federal governments, any kind of defense contractor, to me, it’s totally within would make good sense for them to ban it for their workers.

I’m Bryant Reed, Channel 3 Eyewitness News.