The #TikTok ban -- which will likely face years of litigation and may be ultimately turned down by U.S. courts (as it should be) on first amendment and other grounds, reminds me of another dark episode of bipartisan madness decades ago.
Back in the 1980s in particular, "satanic cult" scares spread across the country, the media, and politicians of both parties. Innumerable lives were ruined as innocent people were imprisoned for long periods based on much the same nonsense as during the Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century. The lack of actual evidence in both cases didn't stop the panic.
While the TikTok ban shouldn't force innocent people into prison or result in them being burned at the stake, many lives that are dependent on income related to TikTok would be negatively affected, and a popular communications medium for a vast number of Americans would be cut off -- while the lack of actual evidence to support such drastic actions is glaring.
There is also much hypocrisy in play. Even as President Biden signed the ban, his campaign apparently plans to continue using TikTok! Not a good look Joe. Not good at all. That's the kind of thing we expect from Trump. You're better than that. -L
@lauren Why can't anyone report or talk about this "ban" as what it is, a divestment requirement for a media company to operate in the US. While the Chinese government is firmly opposed to being forced to sell the division of the company that operates in the US (and Europe will likely follow suit), I don't see how anyone's free speech rights are infringed even if the platform is outlawed in the US.
Can someone explain why this is different from any other trade embargo or restriction placed for diplomatic policy? How about national security?
I would be very, very surprised if SCOTUS decided that the government cannot pass limitations on foreign ownership of media corporations because they violate the free speech rights of foreign corporations. Corporations may be "people" but what court precedent states that foreign corporations are entitled to absolute free speech protection?
@melissadancey@kkeller@jonahstein We're talking about the U.S., not anywhere else. TikTok has certified that data is stored in the U.S. Your information is out of date.
@lauren I doubt that China will not sell the "golden goose" (algorithm) of TikTok.
Essentially, algorithm of "Home" (or other primary/default) tab/feed is what every social media.
I doubt that people really do any serious money at social media per se. Such can happen only due to lack (and than it is not specific to one or another social media) or as a money laundering scheme (which is a crime).
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@koteisaev Huh? Millions of people use social media as the primary communications media of their completely legitimate businesses, ranging from very small to much larger. That includes TikTok.
@lauren State interfering into social media is bad, but what if it is done as response of interference by other state, as self-defense against e. g. elections interference or against intense disinfo campaign to cause hysteria and panic in the society?
@koteisaev Show the evidence! There is NONE relating to TikTok that I've ever seen. On the other hand, look at the dangerous disinformation spewing from Twitter/X! That's the REAL danger, not China!
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