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I understand (and even support) the government not wanting foreign companies exfiltrating data for national security reasons. But why this one specific company?

I understand (and even support) the government not wanting foreign companies exfiltrating data for national security reasons. But why this one specific company? Why only the Chinese government? Why now? Why not address the wider problem and protect all of our data from exfiltration by all foreign companies? Or regulate and monitor companies that do? I’ve never used TikTok and I’m really not a fan of any social media company but the way this whole situation is being handled feels decidedly un-American and frankly unfair to TikTok/ByteDance.

JungleGymSam 6y ago
Because China is a big threat to our future security and economy and there are ongoing and historical issues that have never been addressed? They are a human rights nightmare? Why do people side with China so easily?
- elliekelly 6y ago
  I’m not “siding with China” I’m siding with due process and fair and consistent application of the law. If China is a major threat why isn’t the government forcing Tencent, Alibaba, and Huawei to spin-off and sell their American operations to US companies, too? Tencent has to have just as much data as ByteDance. Probably more. And their relationship with the Chinese government and willingness to assist in Chinese government surveillance is well documented. Better than any rumored evidence against TikTok. I’m not saying TikTok should be allowed. I’m just wondering why, if Chinese surveillance is such a clear and present danger to our national security, we’re only talking about TikTok. I’m suspicious of any government action in the name of “national security” and I’m infinitely more suspicious when that action is specifically targeted without any logic or reason that can be articulated beyond “national security”. And not once have human rights been mentioned with respect to TikTok so we both know that has nothing at all to do with it.
newacct583 6y ago
To be perfectly serious: because Donald Trump is mad at Tik Tok because he thinks kids on that platform pranked his rally last month by "buying up all the tickets" and leaving empty seats.
- disgruntledphd2 6y ago
  I'm a little terrified that this may be true.

JungleGymSam 6y ago

Because China is a big threat to our future security and economy and there are ongoing and historical issues that have never been addressed? They are a human rights nightmare? Why do people side with China so easily?

elliekelly 6y ago
I’m not “siding with China” I’m siding with due process and fair and consistent application of the law. If China is a major threat why isn’t the government forcing Tencent, Alibaba, and Huawei to spin-off and sell their American operations to US companies, too? Tencent has to have just as much data as ByteDance. Probably more. And their relationship with the Chinese government and willingness to assist in Chinese government surveillance is well documented. Better than any rumored evidence against TikTok. I’m not saying TikTok should be allowed. I’m just wondering why, if Chinese surveillance is such a clear and present danger to our national security, we’re only talking about TikTok. I’m suspicious of any government action in the name of “national security” and I’m infinitely more suspicious when that action is specifically targeted without any logic or reason that can be articulated beyond “national security”. And not once have human rights been mentioned with respect to TikTok so we both know that has nothing at all to do with it.

newacct583 6y ago

To be perfectly serious: because Donald Trump is mad at Tik Tok because he thinks kids on that platform pranked his rally last month by "buying up all the tickets" and leaving empty seats.

disgruntledphd2 6y ago
I'm a little terrified that this may be true.