Rep. Takano’s Statement on H.R. 7521 – Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement on H.R. 7521 – Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.
“Today, I voted YES on H.R. 7521 to protect Americans’ data and safeguard U.S. national security. Right now, ByteDance's ownership of TikTok means the Chinese Communist Party can access biometric information, target journalists and dissidents, and influence users’ algorithms for political ends. This status quo is unacceptable, but the bill's solution is not to ban TikTok. Instead, it requires ByteDance to sell its stake. Assuming they do so within 180 days, TikTok will keep operating in the U.S. However, I have concerns regarding H.R. 7521’s speedy sale timeline, potential for anti-trust issues, inexact language on persons who may be subject to foreign influence, and lack of broader data protections. I remain hopeful that we will address the bill’s flaws in the future, but this legislation is a starting point.”
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