By: Cami Mondeaux
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/cami-mondeaux
A small coalition of Democratic lawmakers is banding together to fight a proposed ban on TikTok, arguing the social media platform is critical to court young voters ahead of a crucial election cycle.
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) is leading the charge to fight a possible ban as he appeared alongside content creators on Wednesday to defend the app and argue for its protection. The New York Democrat denounced efforts to ban the social media platform, rejecting arguments that the app poses national security risks as “fearmongering.”
>>"Why the hysteria and panic and the targeting of TikTok? As we know, Republicans in particular have been sounding the alarm, creating a Red Scare around China," Bowman said during a press conference on Wednesday surrounded by dozens of content creators. "It poses about the same threat that companies like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube and Twitter. So let's not marginalize and target TikTok."
Bowman has become one of the first lawmakers to come out in support of the Chinese-owned app, which has prompted concerns among lawmakers on Capitol Hill about possible spying and data collection. Bowman opposed those accusations, arguing there isn’t enough evidence to suggest China is using the platform for espionage.
>>"Let's have a comprehensive conversation about legislation … to make sure people who use social media platforms are safe and your information is secure," he said. "So let's not have a dishonest conversation. Let's not be racist towards China and express our xenophobia when it comes to TikTok because American companies have done tremendous harm to American people."
Instead, a ban on TikTok would not only harm teenagers who enjoy the app but also local businesses and educators, Bowman said.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/opposition-tiktok-ban-emerges-among-democrats