LA News Center
In an open letter penned by tech investor Vinod Khosla and Palantir advisor Jacob Helberg, senators are implored to pass legislation mandating the divestiture of TikTok, a social media platform owned by the Chinese company Bytedance. The letter, released Thursday, paints a grave picture of TikTok as “a weapon of war,” comparing it to restrictions imposed on foreign ownership of U.S. media decades ago.
TikTok: A National Security Threat
“Would you let North Korea or Iran own a broadcast channel that 67% of teens spend almost two hours a day on?” the letter poses. Helberg and Khosla argue that TikTok’s massive audience and its potential for propaganda and surveillance make it a significant national security risk, akin to having a foreign entity broadcasting directly into American homes.
Divestiture or Ban?
The proposed legislation would force Bytedance to either sell TikTok to a U.S.-based buyer or face a ban. Bytedance has staunchly opposed this, mobilizing its large user base to lobby against the House-passed bill. However, Helberg dismisses the ban as a “bill of attainder,” arguing that targeting individual companies for national security reasons has precedent in American policymaking.
The Danger of TikTok’s Power
Helberg points to TikTok’s response to the House bill as a prime example of its potential misuse. The app’s in-app notifications prompted a deluge of phone calls to congressional offices, overwhelming their capacity. This, he says, demonstrates the platform’s ability to influence public opinion and pressure elected officials.
Battle Lines Drawn
The letter was addressed to all senators, but Helberg expressed hope that it would resonate particularly with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell. Former President Donald Trump has surprisingly come out in support of TikTok, albeit with reservations. China, on the other hand, has vehemently opposed the sale, declaring TikTok a “key political asset.”
Investors Circling TikTok
Despite the challenges, major investors, including former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, are reportedly interested in acquiring TikTok, which could fetch tens of billions of dollars. The feasibility of a divestiture, however, hinges on the willingness of the Chinese Communist Party to cooperate, which remains uncertain.
The Odds of Divestiture
When asked about the likelihood of divestiture versus a ban, Helberg remained noncommittal. “If the Chinese Communist Party operates in good faith… a divestiture will happen,” he said, adding that there is no shortage of potential buyers in the U.S.
Conclusion
The debate over TikTok’s fate continues, with significant implications for national security, free speech, and the tech industry. The upcoming Senate vote will determine whether the federal government takes a decisive stance against perceived Chinese influence or allows a potential “weapon of war” to remain in the hands of a foreign entity.
