Mike Gallagher, a prominent figure in both politics and the technology sector, has sounded the alarm about the potential dangers of politicians using TikTok. Currently serving as the Head of Defense at Palantir, a leading data analytics company, Gallagher served as a Congressman prior to his current role. His concerns stem from the growing trend of politicians, including both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, embracing the popular social media platform.
Gallagher’s criticism goes beyond a simple preference. He argues that the use of TikTok by politicians, while seemingly a harmless way to engage with younger voters, poses significant national security risks. He believes that the desire to win over younger voters, who are heavily engaged online, is taking precedence over crucial security considerations.
Despite the potential for controversy, Gallagher emphasizes the bipartisan nature of the issue. He points out that his former committee in Congress, tasked with addressing national security matters, demonstrated a strong consensus across both Democrats and Republicans. This consensus is evident in the overwhelming support the committee received, with over 350 votes in favor of tackling the issue.
While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, Gallagher stresses the need for a comprehensive approach. He emphasizes that the problem extends beyond TikTok itself. Instead, it involves broader concerns related to the flow of data across international borders and the potential influence of foreign entities on social media platforms.
Gallagher’s concerns gain even greater significance considering the recent entry of both Harris and Trump onto the platform. Both politicians have embraced TikTok as a way to connect with younger voters. However, this move comes amidst ongoing concerns about the potential national security implications of TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance Ltd., based in China.
Earlier this year, TikTok argued that alternative solutions could be explored to address national security concerns without resorting to banning the app entirely. However, Gallagher’s recent statements suggest that the issue is not solely about TikTok. He paints a broader picture, highlighting the critical need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of foreign control over social media platforms and the associated risks to data security.
Gallagher’s concerns echo his previous statements about a fundamental divide in national security between corporate America and ordinary citizens. He believes that the “true divide” in national security isn’t between political parties but between the interests of corporations and the values held by everyday Americans.
