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Speaker Johnson Vows to Maintain TikTok Ban Due to Security Concerns

House Speaker Mike Johnson, representing Louisiana, has made it clear that he intends to uphold the law concerning TikTok, emphasizing the concerns related to the Chinese Communist Party’s potential influence over American youth.

TikTok, a popular social media platform owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, faced a significant moment as it went dark on a Saturday evening, aligning with legislative actions aimed at addressing national security concerns.

During an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Johnson discussed TikTok’s recent developments and the remarks of incoming President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has signaled his intention to use an executive order to address the TikTok situation promptly after taking office.

Johnson expressed his confidence in the enforcement of the existing law, believing that Trump’s commentary on saving TikTok might indicate a strategic shift towards enforcing a divestiture or change in ownership structure.

Last year, Congress passed a law mandating ByteDance to divest from TikTok within a 270-day window due to concerns over data privacy and Chinese government influence.

ByteDance, known to have an internal committee aligned with the Chinese Communist Party, was under scrutiny for potentially manipulating TikTok’s algorithms to spread harmful content to American children, according to Johnson. He noted that these algorithms could expose children to violent imagery, anti-Semitic content, and promote harmful behaviors like eating disorders and suicide.

The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, recently addressed the situation, pointing out that the responsibility to manage the TikTok ban now lies with Trump. On Sunday, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, advocating for “SAVE TIKTOK.” He has hinted at the possibility of issuing an executive order to extend the law’s implementation period, aiming to secure a deal that safeguards national security interests.

Trump’s proposal involves a potential joint venture between the current and new owners of TikTok, wherein the United States would hold a 50 percent stake alongside another partner. However, specifics on whether ByteDance would be involved remain unclear.

Trump’s initial administration had called for TikTok’s ban due to privacy and security risks, yet he has acknowledged the app’s role in his 2024 election victory.

Despite the pressure to divest, ByteDance resisted relinquishing control of TikTok during the designated period. The company’s legal team argued that the ban infringes upon the First Amendment rights of the U.S. Constitution. However, the Supreme Court upheld Congress’s decision, supporting the viewpoint that the ban targets the Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to gather intelligence through the app.

During the Supreme Court oral arguments, TikTok’s attorney, Noel Francisco, contended that the app serves as a vital platform for free speech in America. He warned that without divestiture, TikTok would cease operations in the U.S., impacting users significantly.

Despite these arguments, the Supreme Court remained unconvinced and unanimously supported the ban. The ruling was seen as a protective measure against potential intelligence collection by the Chinese government. In a preemptive move, TikTok voluntarily suspended its services in the U.S., just before the law was set to take effect.

The law, which requires ByteDance to divest from TikTok, stipulates that failing to do so would result in the app being removed from U.S. app stores. However, this does not prevent existing users from continuing to use the app on their devices. In response to Trump’s comments, TikTok announced on Sunday afternoon that it would resume operations, with the app and its website becoming accessible again by noon Eastern Time.

This unfolding situation highlights the ongoing debate over national security and the role of foreign-owned technology in American society. The actions taken by lawmakers and the judiciary are steps towards addressing these concerns while balancing the rights outlined in the Constitution.