Should TikTok be forced to divest from ByteDance or face a ban from every US device?

👍 Yes (53%) – "I feel the risks of keeping the status quo outweigh the rewards. While I’m concerned with governmental overreach — forcing a company to divest or shut down — it’s also the role of the government to defend its people. China is not subtle about their campaign to gather intel, obtain trade secrets, influence public opinion, and impact elections. I cannot believe Tik Tok is free from governmental involvement. There are many entertainment options available to consumers, including a number of competing social media apps. A ban in this case does not unduly affect consumers, and if anything strengthens their protections."

• "China’s influence on our culture through this app since 2020 is worrying, especially when it comes to elections and national security issues. They either need to have U.S. controlled operations or be banned. YouTube and Instagram both have similar features and will quickly replace Tik Tok. People will survive."

"At the risk of sounding like a crazy conspiracy theorist… We are willingly downloading software on a device (our phone) where many of us keep our most personal information. We give it access to our location and our camera. If any foreign entity were looking to spy on citizens of the United States, this would be a perfect way to do it. The fact that the push notifications (aka a notification you did not ask to receive) resulted in floods of calls to representatives shows the power that it already holds on us. We allow the content the app shows us to influence everything from what we buy to how we vote. China is now a world super power and not exactly an ally of the United States. Tik Tok has always made me uncomfortable for this reason and I do not have an account."

• "To be honest I think our government needs to take a harsh look at all social media platforms, with data that increasingly proves links to addiction, depression, and a whole parade of other issues plaguing Americans it’s time we hold big tech accountable to the issues these platforms are directly responsible for. It’s time for big tech to have its tobacco moment."

"I would rather see a complete ban but at least disconnecting from China would be a plus for our culture and national security. A more important decision is how to protect our children from overuse of our electronic 'culture' and reengage in real material things and personal relationships."

👎 No (28%) – "Is it a security risk? Sure. Does the Government understand how? I'm not convinced. Does Facebook do a lot of the same stuff? Absolutely. I find their behavior hypocritical. Also, if you force divestment, other countries may balk at developing products for a US market. They may, after all, be banned all of a sudden. Good luck then!"

• "Banning this app is akin to infringing on Americans' 1st amendment rights and should not be passed into law. It is also where a lot of "influencers" make their living and would do more harm than good to the American way of life for some."

"I think this is a terrible idea that would not only infringe on our freedom of speech, but also set a dark precedent for government control over media and forms of communication. The concern over data going to China may have some validity, but how is it any different from Meta or Google mining our data? There is a level of nationalistic double standards here and the optics aren't great."

🤷 Unsure/other (19%) – "This is a tough one. While I don’t want to set a precedent for infringing on free speech and free choice, the access that China has to our personal information and data is troubling."

• "Although I am leery of the alleged ties between the Chinese government and TikTok, I do not believe a forced sale with in reality divest the grip of a political rival."