A new study suggests TikTok’s algorithm is manipulated by the Chinese government to promote pro-CCP content while suppressing criticism. The study, conducted by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) and Rutgers University, found that frequent TikTok users are more likely to have positive views of the Chinese government. The findings have sparked calls for stricter regulation of TikTok and further fueled the ongoing legal battle over the app’s future.
The Senate has passed legislation that would force TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the social media app within nine months or face a ban. The legislation includes a three-month extension if a sale is in progress. The bill also bars ByteDance from controlling TikTok’s algorithm, which feeds users videos based on their interests. The passage of the legislation is a culmination of long-held fears in Washington over Chinese threats and the ownership of TikTok, which is used by 170 million Americans. Opponents of the bill argue that the Chinese government could easily get information on Americans in other ways, and that the bill is an overly broad and unconstitutional way to address the issue of data privacy. TikTok has said it will challenge the legislation in court.
