A recent survey conducted by Reuters and Ipsos Research revealed that approximately half of American adults are in favor of implementing a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app, TikTok. The survey also included questions regarding concerns over national security and China.
Image Source: Reuters
TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese tech giant ByteDance and used by tens of millions of Americans, has been facing calls from US lawmakers to be banned nationwide due to fears of potential exploitation by the Chinese government.
The survey conducted on Monday and Tuesday found that around 47% of participants somewhat support the “ban on the use of the social media application TikTok in the United States” while 36% opposed the ban and 17% did not express a definitive opinion.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that 58% of Republicans support a ban on the app, compared to 47% of Democrats.
The survey also highlighted deep concerns among Americans regarding China’s global influence, as US-China relations have declined to their lowest levels in decades.
The online survey was conducted throughout the United States and involved 1,005 adults, including 443 Democrats and 346 Republicans.
Christopher Wray the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), stated in March that the Chinese government could potentially use TikTok to control software on millions of devices and promote narratives that could create divisions among Americans. He added that the app clearly raises concerns about national security.
In response to these allegations, TikTok issued a statement stating that over 150 million Americans, including five million businesses, use the app to earn a living, communicate in classrooms, and participate in social activities.
The TikTok spokesperson reaffirmed the company’s commitment to unprecedented measures to protect American user data and ensure a secure and inclusive platform for users nationwide.
