TikTok, the popular social media app owned by ByteDance, is facing a ban in the United States. The ultimatum means that ByteDance must either sell its shares to non-Chinese shareholders or shut down the app. The House of Representatives is set to vote on an aid package for Israel and Ukraine this weekend, which includes provisions regarding TikTok. While Europe has yet to take a stance on the issue, Senator Giulio Terzi of Sant’Agata, president of the Senate EU Policies Committee, believes that TikTok is a dangerous platform used for propaganda purposes by countries like Russia and China. He asserts that Europe must coordinate efforts to protect democratic processes following the lead of the United States in taking action against Chinese-owned companies like TikTok. On the other hand, Senator Enrico Borghi, leader of Italia Viva and a member of the intelligence control committee, acknowledges the geopolitical complexities surrounding the issue. He believes that while warnings from the US and Europe cannot be ignored, freedom of expression and business must be carefully considered before taking any action against TikTok.
