Netizens Upset Over Joe Biden’s TikTok Ban Hint: Social Media Reacts to Presidential Remark
3 min read
Nathan Howard/Getty Images | Drew Angerer/Getty Images
President Joe Biden’s recent endorsement of a proposed bill that could potentially lead to the ban of TikTok has sparked widespread criticism among netizens, who question the priorities of lawmakers amidst pressing national issues. The move comes amid growing concerns about the popular video-sharing app’s ties to China and its potential security risks, including spreading misinformation and espionage.
During a press briefing on Friday, March 8, 2024, the 81-year-old President voiced his support for the proposed legislation, known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The bill, if passed, would compel ByteDance, the China-based company that owns TikTok, to sell the platform within six months or face a ban in the United States.
Joe Biden claims that if Congress passes a bill that could ban TikTok, he will sign it. pic.twitter.com/KLMV74e5Pz
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) March 8, 2024
In response to Joe Biden’s endorsement of the bill, netizens took to social media to express their disapproval, questioning the government’s focus on banning an app popular among the younger generation while seemingly neglecting more pressing issues. Many criticized the move as an attempt to silence dissenting voices and divert attention from critical issues such as homelessness, inflation, and gun control.
One user commented, “What a great way to secure votes of the younger generation, threatening to ban the most popular app used by them in America!” Another expressed frustration, stating, “We are so doomed when TikTok is the top issue in Congress right now.”
What a great way to secure votes of the younger generation, threatening to ban the most popular app used by them in America!
— paulie ⚓️ (@ratedpaulie) March 8, 2024
TikTok itself has also responded to the proposed legislation by launching an advertisement campaign urging users to contact their congressional representatives to oppose the bill. The app warned users that a potential ban would harm businesses, livelihoods, and artistic expression across the country.
However, proponents of the bill argue that TikTok poses significant national security risks due to its ties to China and the potential for data privacy breaches. The Biden administration has signaled support for addressing these concerns, though it has not officially endorsed the bill.
How about passing a bill that ensures women have equal pay, healthcare access, political representation, legal protections, support for work life balance, education and training opportunities, and support for entrepreneurship?
— Lil Tay (@LilTaybepoppin) March 9, 2024
we are so doomed when tiktok is the top issue in congress right now 😭
— a girl with no face ⚡️ (@Stop_Hammerzeit) March 8, 2024
Despite the backlash, the proposed legislation is set to go under a vote next week, raising tensions between lawmakers, technology companies, and the millions of users who rely on TikTok for entertainment, communication, and artistic expression.
In the midst of this debate, questions remain about the balance between national security concerns and the rights of individuals to access and use digital platforms freely. As the conversation continues, the outcome of the proposed bill could have far-reaching implications for the future of social media regulation and digital privacy in the United States.
instead of passing gun control laws to protect our kids lets ban the dancing clock app
— poppy 🦋 (@imnotpopbase) March 8, 2024
this man will do anything and everything but stop a genocide he is funding
— Sam. (@boysamiie) March 8, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
