In a bold and unprecedented move, TikTok has launched a rallying cry to its American users, urging them to take action against a potential nationwide ban of the popular video-sharing app. As users across the United States opened TikTok on Thursday morning, they were met with a powerful full-screen message, imploring them to contact their Congressional representatives and oppose the proposed legislation.
The message, prominently displayed on the app's interface, read: "Speak up now before your government takes away the freedom of expression from 170 million Americans that is protected by the Constitution. Tell Congress what TikTok means to you and urge them to vote NO." Below this impassioned call to action, a striking red button labeled "Call Now" provided users with a direct means to connect with their respective members of Congress.
TikTok's plea to its vast user base comes amidst escalating scrutiny from the U.S. government and legislative bodies concerning potential national security concerns due to the app's Chinese ownership. Last year, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew faced grueling questioning during a five-hour testimony before Congress, addressing concerns about the Chinese government's access to American user data.
Throughout Chew's testimony, he vehemently denied claims that TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, are controlled by the Chinese government. He emphasized that there is no evidence of Beijing accessing American user data, although the company did acknowledge dismissing ByteDance employees for improperly accessing journalists' IP addresses to determine their locations.
The controversy surrounding TikTok has led dozens of U.S. states to ban the use of the app on government-issued devices. This week, the issue resurfaced with the introduction of a proposed bill that would grant the President of the United States the authority to designate social media applications deemed a national security threat and remove them from app stores.
Supporters of the bill have insisted that TikTok sever ties with ByteDance to avoid a potential ban and the loss of its estimated 170 million American users.
In a statement to TechCrunch, TikTok confirmed that the message appeared on the screens of all U.S. users aged 18 and above.
This latest move by TikTok to mobilize its user base represents a significant escalation in the battle over its fate in the United States. It underscores the high stakes involved and the determination of both sides to sway public opinion and achieve their desired outcome.