China hawks have raised concerns over Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's decision not to impose a TikTok ban on government-issued devices in his state, despite more than 75% of other states taking such action due to national security worries.
When asked about a potential TikTok ban in 2022, Governor Walz mentioned that his team was evaluating the issue comprehensively and seeking recommendations from tech experts within his administration.
Walz's stance contrasts with the actions of numerous states and the Biden administration. President Biden signed a bill in December 2022 banning TikTok on federally issued devices and later signed another bill in April to ban TikTok nationwide unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests its stake by next year.
At least 39 states have implemented TikTok bans on government devices, with many governors and state legislatures taking proactive steps to address national security concerns.
The FBI has expressed 'national security concerns' regarding TikTok, including potential data control by the Chinese government and influence operations. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted these risks in a 2022 congressional hearing.
Various governors, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, have emphasized the importance of safeguarding state technology and cybersecurity by banning TikTok on government devices.
Experts have criticized Walz's approach, suggesting it reflects outdated views on U.S.-China relations and the need for a tougher stance against potential threats posed by China.
In response to proposed bans, TikTok has argued in federal court that such actions would be unconstitutional. Pro-TikTok activists have also voiced support for the platform, citing its positive impact on businesses and creativity.
Efforts to reach Governor Walz's office and the Harris campaign for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
