Staff Reports
In a bold move, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, who is a Republican, hinted that if he were to become president in 2024, he might ban the popular social media platform TikTok due to concerns about cybersecurity. With approximately 150 million users in the United States alone, TikTok is owned by a company based in Beijing called ByteDance. Governor DeSantis clarified that he would not go as far as using the Restrict Act, a bipartisan measure that grants the president the authority to take action against foreign software and services from U.S. adversaries. The Wall Street Journal reported about this.
DeSantis says he would consider banning TikTok if he is elected president https://t.co/tvlmsfoBWM
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 2, 2023
Governor DeSantis, who is known for his no-nonsense approach, expressed his reservations about TikTok, stating, “I am inclined to not want TikTok in the United States.” His main concern lies in the potential security vulnerability that the platform presents, and he believes it collects a significant amount of data. The Governor also described TikTok as “very, very toxic” for children.
Interestingly, Former President Donald Trump had attempted to ban TikTok from the U.S. in 2020, but his plan did not materialize. While many Democrats oppose a ban on TikTok, some, like Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, praised Trump’s effort and warned parents to be cautious about their children’s use of the app. Despite the absence of a nationwide ban, some states, including Nebraska, South Dakota, Maryland, Texas, and Oklahoma, have taken matters into their own hands and banned TikTok on state devices.
In the context of the upcoming 2024 elections, Governor DeSantis finds himself trailing behind former President Donald Trump in support among potential Republican primary voters. According to a recent poll, DeSantis garnered only 15% support, while Trump maintained a commanding lead with 58%. This news comes at a time when Trump is facing a superseding indictment related to allegations of mishandling classified documents and his actions during the Capitol riot on January 6th. With such hurdles to overcome, DeSantis certainly has his work cut out for him in gaining momentum for his presidential ambitions.
As a conservative news writer, it is clear that Governor DeSantis is taking a proactive stance on protecting American data and national security. While some may argue against a TikTok ban, it is important to consider the potential risks that come with a platform owned by a company in Beijing. With cybersecurity being a major concern in today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, it is refreshing to see a leader like DeSantis prioritize the security and well-being of the American people.
