The United States’ Reputation as Champion of Open Internet at Risk with TikTok Legislation
For years, the United States has prided itself on being a champion of an open internet, advocating for digital data to flow freely across borders and against internet censorship. However, its reputation could take a hit with the latest moves against TikTok, a popular social media platform owned by Chinese company ByteDance.
The House is expected to push for legislation that would force a sale of TikTok or ban the app in the United States, potentially including it in an aid package for Israel and Ukraine. This move has raised concerns among digital rights groups and advocates worldwide, who question how the actions against TikTok align with the United States’ stance on promoting an open internet.
Critics fear that targeting TikTok, which has 170 million U.S. users engaging in various activities on the platform, could undermine the country’s efforts to promote a free and open internet governed by international organizations. The legislation would require ByteDance to sell TikTok to a buyer approved by the U.S. government within six months, or face a ban on the app in app stores and web hosting companies.
The passage of the House bill in March, currently under consideration in the Senate, has sparked global concerns. Russian blogger Aleksandr Gorbunov warned that a TikTok ban could lead to further censorship in his country, while Indian lawyer Mishi Choudhary expressed fears that the Indian government could use a U.S. ban to justify more crackdowns on internet freedom.
Digital rights experts argue that a forced sale or ban of TikTok could make it harder for the United States to advocate for an open internet governed by international organizations, especially in the face of countries like China, which have implemented strict internet censorship measures.
While some supporters of the legislation believe it will benefit internet freedom by reducing China’s influence over TikTok, others, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have raised concerns about the potential hypocrisy and consequences of such actions.
As the United States grapples with the implications of the TikTok legislation, officials will need to navigate diplomatic challenges and explain how the measure aligns with the country’s commitment to an open internet while safeguarding national security interests. The outcome of this debate could have far-reaching implications for internet policy and freedom worldwide.
