TikTok lobbying has reported increased as the US House of Representatives moves ahead to effectively ban the app in the country, according to Axios.
Both sides, including TikTok itself, have been noted to lobby on the proposed Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.
Most notable was ex-President Donald Trump who argued that banning TikTok, despite still being "a national security risk," would just benefit Facebook.
It is worth noting that Trump has been reported several times for throwing accusations against Facebook after it banned him for spreading political disinformation and instigating the January 6 Capitol riot.
The report did not indicate an exact number of how many lobbying were officially filed in the Capitol.
Watchdogs, Conservatives Clash Over Proposed TikTok Ban
Several digital watchdogs also expressed opposition to the legislation, warning the people that such a law "sets a dangerous precedent" on ownership of social media companies.
Many conservative groups and lawmakers, on the other hand, endorsed the bill as a way to protect Americans' minds from Chinese propaganda.
Washington has earlier reported of receiving multiple calls from TikTok users demanding to know why the government is banning the app as the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the proposed ban bill.
A full House panel is set to decide on the proposed bill on Wednesday, March 13, before it goes to Congress.
TikTok Refutes House Claims on China Intervention
TikTok has already responded to the House ruling, claiming that the decision was nothing more than the government "attempting to strip 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression."
Our statement on today's Committee vote: "This legislation has a predetermined outcome: a total ban of TikTok in the United States. The government is attempting to strip 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression. This will damage millions of…
— TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) March 7, 2024
In response, Republican and Democrat lawmakers demanded TikTok and its CEO Shou Zi Chew to "stop spreading false claims in its campaign to manipulate and mobilize American citizens on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party."
Chew, a Singaporean, has earlier refuted accusations of being directly involved with the Chinese government on previous hearings on the app.
Related Article : What Happens if TikTok was Banned in the US?
