Who Authored the TikTok Ban?
The TikTok ban, which was announced by the United States government in August 2020, has sparked a myriad of questions and debates. One of the most pressing queries among the public and policymakers alike is: who authored the TikTok ban? This article delves into the origins of the ban and examines the key figures involved in this significant decision.
The TikTok ban was initially proposed by President Donald Trump, who cited national security concerns as the primary reason for the ban. Trump’s administration argued that the popular social media app, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, posed a threat to American national security due to potential data collection and sharing with the Chinese government.
The process of authoring the TikTok ban involved a series of internal discussions and deliberations among various government agencies. Key players in the decision-making process included the White House, the Department of Commerce, and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
At the White House level, the National Security Council (NSC) played a crucial role in shaping the policy. The NSC, led by then-NSC Advisor Robert O’Brien, was responsible for coordinating the government’s response to the TikTok issue. O’Brien, a strong advocate for the ban, played a significant role in pushing for the measure’s implementation.
The Department of Commerce, under Secretary Wilbur Ross, was tasked with executing the ban. Ross, who was known for his close relationship with President Trump, was instrumental in formulating the executive order that would effectively ban TikTok from operating in the United States.
Additionally, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) played a pivotal role in the TikTok ban. CFIUS is responsible for reviewing and investigating foreign investments in the United States that could pose national security risks. The CFIUS investigation into TikTok concluded that the app did, indeed, pose a threat to national security, which ultimately led to the proposed ban.
While the TikTok ban was primarily authored by President Trump and his administration, it is important to recognize the collaborative nature of the decision-making process. Several key figures within the government worked together to ensure that the ban was both effective and legally sound. As the debate over the TikTok ban continues, it is essential to understand the complex interplay of factors and individuals that contributed to this significant policy change.
