Banning TikTok Doesn't Protect You
BBC Cancelled my Interview on This Topic
Today I was supposed to go on BBC news.
They cancelled my appearance. I will share with you the thoughts I shared with them. And then you can decide why they may have cancelled my appearance.
I have been on BBC multiple times in the past and am always thankful of their time and belief in my work. This is not an anti-BBC slam.
This is a slam on the hypocrisy of our current government.
I asked ChatGPT to “Please list out all of the current talking points that support the TikTok Ban”.
Let’s debunk all of the talking points now.
National Security Concerns
Data Access by Foreign Governments: TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company. Critics argue that the Chinese government could potentially access user data, posing national security risks.
Potential for Espionage: There are fears that TikTok could be used as a tool for espionage, allowing foreign entities to monitor communications and activities of individuals, including government officials.
My Answer: Espionage is typically a way to create fear. If an imminent threat is present, then comes panic, then comes groupthink. It’s much easier for a government to make decisions for us when we are in a state of groupthink versus in a more calm state where we are able to critically think.
Also, there is some hypocrisy here. If China is such a security threat to the US, why do we allow consumer goods to be made in the US like our smartphones, security cameras, and even our pharmaceuticals?
Also also, if the app is such a national security concern, why was there political campaign content done by each candidates respective campaign account on TikTok: Kamala HQ, MAGA, and then Biden’s account as a whole?
Data Privacy Issues
Extensive Data Collection: TikTok collects a wide range of user data, including location, browsing history, and biometric information. Concerns arise over how this data is stored, used, and who has access to it.
Data Transmission to Servers Abroad: The possibility that user data is transmitted to servers outside the user's home country increases fears about data security and misuse.
My Answer: So does Google, Meta, Snapchat, Apple. etc….
If you are ever interested in learning more I highly recommend reading Means of Control by Byron Tau. He explains the surveillance state the US Gov and Big Tech have been creating since 9/11.
Content Manipulation and Censorship
Algorithmic Bias: The platform's recommendation algorithms could potentially be manipulated to promote certain narratives or suppress others, influencing public opinion and discourse.
Censorship of Sensitive Topics: There are allegations that TikTok censors content that is politically sensitive or unfavorable to certain governments, limiting freedom of expression.
My Answer: Meta has been censoring content under the Biden administration. This has already been whistle blown on.
So this another example of hypocrisy where US governments can censor or elevate certain content, but if another government does this, it’s a threat.
Impact on Youth and Society
Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Concerns about the ease with which minors can access harmful or inappropriate content on the platform, affecting their mental health and development.
Addictive Nature of the App: The highly engaging nature of TikTok can lead to excessive screen time, impacting productivity and well-being, especially among younger users.
My answer: Defending children is usually a tactic pulled to create an emotional reaction and to virtue signal. All children fall into this level of risk on all platforms. All children should be protected online. TikTok already has a policy in place for children as well.
Also, if it’s so unsafe for kids to be on TikTok, why did all presidential candidates use TikTok during their campaigns as a method to reach young voters?
I am not a parent, so I don’t have much to comment on the parenting perspective as I don’t want to speak ignorantly. But I will say, I don’t think it’s the government’s job to raise children. And if so, all politicians of all parties should be setting a better example for youth because, respectfully, wtf was 2024:
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Cybersecurity Threats
Vulnerabilities in the App: Potential security flaws within TikTok's software could be exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access to user data or devices.
Spread of Malware: The platform could be used to distribute malicious software through deceptive links or downloads.
My Answer: We do this today…
The United States criticizes countries like China for cybersecurity threats while engaging in extensive surveillance programs, such as the NSA’s mass data collection, which infringes on both domestic and international privacy. Additionally, American offensive cyber operations, including the use of like Stuxnet and alleged disinformation campaigns, reflect the same tactics it condemns in other nations. Furthermore, the US exports surveillance technologies to authoritarian regimes and enforces inconsistent cybersecurity standards, demonstrating a double standard in its approach to global cybersecurity.
Economic and Competitive Concerns
Unfair Competition: Some argue that allowing TikTok to operate without restrictions gives a foreign company an unfair advantage in the social media market.
Protection of Domestic Industries: Banning TikTok is seen by some as a way to protect and promote domestic tech companies from foreign competition.
My Answer: To me, my intuition is telling me that some government lobbyists like Meta, Amazon, Google etc… feel threatened by the US market share gained by TikTok, TikTok Shop, and those alike
Compliance with Local Laws and Regulations
Inadequate Adherence to Privacy Laws: Accusations that TikTok does not fully comply with local data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States.
Lack of Transparency: Criticism over the company's transparency regarding data handling practices and user privacy policies.
My Answer: Okay so then regulate it better. This topic is so yawn.
Also, again if it’s such a compliance threat, why did I get invited to a virtual event for Biden’s State of the Union Address and then get asked to make TikTok videos about it after accepting the invite?
I talked about this a while back on Instagram and people got really upset with me.
One of the reasons I was really not into this invite was because this was days after Biden signed off on the TikTok ban. So it was quite the kick in the teeth.
Potential for Misinformation and Propaganda
Spread of False Information: TikTok can be a vector for the rapid dissemination of misinformation, fake news, and propaganda, which can influence public opinion and democratic processes.
Manipulation of Public Sentiment: The platform's ability to shape trends and narratives can be exploited to sway public sentiment on various issues.
My Answer: This is a big one. Typically our government passes laws by yelling “Russia, Russia!” or “China!”. Americans are programmed from a young age to fear both of these countries.
Misinformation and propaganda is subjective.
And often times these terms are used by our governments in instinances that benefit the government.
There’s a ton of examples to explain how the government today uses propaganda and misinformation to their benefit. Here are two events that are key.
Cambridge Analytica Scandal (the most unbiased source I could find)
I did capstone project on this in college. In short, Facebook shared data to a third party company called Cambridge Analytica. 50 million profiles data was harvested through a third-party app in Facebook called “This is your Digital Life”. Users would complete this survey and then Cambridge Analytica had access to this information as well as the users’ friends data.
Then, not just swing states but small swing almost-zip codes sized areas were defined. Then, extreme political content was shown in these areas to potentially influence users voting preferences. Both Obama and Trump have been named in this scandal.
So, if TikTok is swaying the opinion of We The People (while the US and Big Tech has already been caught doing this) this is another hypocrisy.
U.S. Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948
There’s definitely some conspiracy theories out there implying Obama signed an amendment to this Act in 2013 which allowed propaganda to be spread by the gov. I don’t buy that one.
But, what I will say is this act is very interesting when describing how much involvement the government has in the international media relation today and has had since 1948. So obviously, yes, a social media platform that is international is going to be threat to this act.
I am not entirely sold that this Act is a net positive for American civil rights.
You can take a look here and read the Act yourself. But any type of regulation of speech and information should always be critically assessed and not blindly supported.
This idea that our US government needs to regulate propaganda only works if the government was not filled by lobbyists and oligarchies. Unfortunately, our government (no matter the party) is corrupted by larger industrial complexes today. So until that force is managed, I personally do not look to my government for the unbiased information we deserve.
Instead, I believe educating people on cognitive warfare and then allowing each citizen to make their own choices on which app to use - is more “American” (in quotations because I don’t even know what the consensus of patriotism is anymore tbh).
Cognitive warfare is the new term to describe reason #8. Cognitive warfare is essentially social media content (posts, comments, and all other activity) simulated by an adversary.
I recently interviewed a friend who works for the DOD and wrote paper on cognitive warfare and TikTok. So I will be posting that on the new podcast soon!
Cognitive warfare is happening today at levels so extreme it is beyond just TikTok and international threats. Most mainstream media is owned by lobbyists and continue biased reporting every day.
One could argue that is misinformation and propaganda….
As someone whose work has been mentioned in international media at least 10,000 times, I can confidently say to you with real-life, personal experience, not all of the media outlets are telling the truth. Also, not all of media outlets research primary sources of information before going live with a story.
I hope and assume this isn’t a shock to you.
If you have been following me since 2023, you have seen some of the media outlet lie about me and my work, for quite some time now.
If TikTok gets banned, it get’s banned….
As a creator and a business owner I have always known not to sweat stuff I can’t control and to not rely on one platform. I don’t have much to say as a creator, but I can’t not be quiet about the hypocrisy of our American government right now. And frankly, for quite a few years now, I have been intellectually insulted by our media and political figures.
Just like I call out the hypocrisy of corporate America, the same is happening beyond our jobs and have been for some time. Just like I vouch for you ideological safety at your job, I expect the same in my own job.
I wished I could have shared this information on BBC today. But I am also very happy to be sharing it all with you here!
Banning doesn’t solve anything.
Americans are just going to instal VPNs to still access the app. Or, turn off auto updates so that they don’t have their TikTok app update to the new regulated version. Or anything else I am sure we will all figure out together as the days pass if the app does get banned.
LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS OR ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT DISCUSSED IN THE SUBSCRIBER CHAT <3
Xoxo,
Gabrielle