Old Dominion News

As concerns grow over data and security risks surrounding the popular social media app TikTok, the U.S. government has ramped up it's efforts to put a ban on the app.

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) is among the many federal lawmakers worried about the damages TikTok could cause with its current ownership.

"TikTok’s ownership by the CCP is concerning for our national security and private citizens’ data," Johnson said in an April 12 tweet. "If not taken off Americans’ phones, the app should be sold to a non-CCP backed company to protect user data worldwide."

In recent weeks the Biden administration gave ByteDance, TikTok's owners in China, an ultimatum: sell the widely used video app or risk the possibility of it being banned; a report from The Seattle Times said. It came as the White House worked to take a strong stance against the platform in response to worries about the nation's security.

There are approximately 100 million TikTok users in America. The report noted that the app is in the spotlight in the battle over control of the tech and economic sectors between the Chinese government and the Biden administration. This particular fight over ownership of the app began three years ago after the app rose to fame during COVID-19 shutdowns. The app became not only a form of entertainment to pass time while under restrictions but also a way for users to connect with people during a time of isolation. It was then that former President Donald Trump proclaimed the app would be banned unless it was sold to an American company.

TikTok has opposed the recent request by the White House, stating that it would not adequately address the U.S. government's worries, a recent TechCrunch report said. TikTok believes the app's own unique act of self-regulation—which includes an audit by U.S.-based technology company Oracle, among other things—is a more effective solution.