Nostr Web Client

I do happen to think TikTok is not a trustworthy platform and should be basically considered under CCP control, for all intents and purposes. However, banning access to it is not consistent with the principles of a free and open society. Some of the things policymakers are now contemplating are dangerously illiberal in the zeal to take down TikTok.

The RESTRICT Act, being one example of a impulsive to extreme overreach.

These impulses are very bad for the future prospects of an open internet. There needs to robust pushback from civil society, here. You don't fight tyranny by adopting the tools of tyranny.

hes⚡️ 2y ago

I’m torn. The RESTRICT act is an abomination that should absolutely not be passed.

I agree that banning apps is a very slippery slope- but this is one built and controlled by an actor who strives to see the demise of the USA and has been preparing its population for war with us. Read or listen to any Chinese programming over the last few years and you will see that they already tell their citizens we are at war.

It’s akin to letting the Soviet Union run free and open spy networks and influence campaigns on us soil during the height of the Cold War.

Like I said. I’m unsure what the correct way of going about this is. I would say *ideally* educating the masses about what is actually happening is best. However, so many young and impressionable (and many older, wiser {even Bitcoiners on here} also) fall for the propaganda coming out of Beijing and Russia.

Reply to this note

Please Login to reply.

Discussion

Mike Brock 2y ago

I think there are things you can do to sanction companies, and focus on the commercial aspects. Anti-trust laws are an example of this. But when you start talking about criminalizing Americans for accessing a service or platform like TikTok if so banned, then that’s just a bridge too far. By a million miles.

Bowtied Peasant 2y ago

Government *wants* you to think this is a dilemma. It isn't at all - there are plenty of ways of legislating against data transfer from US to China without having to ban apps or go anywhere near the awful RESTRICT act.

Mike Brock 2y ago

💯

hes⚡️ 2y ago

My concern doesn’t lie in the data transfer aspect. It rests in the manipulation of domestic mindsets by a foreign adversary.

As someone who lived in China for half a decade and extensively studies Chinese state media, influence campaigns set up by the United Front Work Department, and official CCP policies I am 100% positive that the TikTok algorithm is designed to destabilize western society.

Again, this is a very tricky decision *and I am strongly against unnecessary government intervention* but at what point do we allow a nation “at war with the United States” to continue pushing false narratives, unhealthy behaviors, and ideologies designed to make citizens hate their own country onto our population?

Bowtied Peasant 2y ago

Agree that Tiktok is harmful - whether we're talking manipulation or sypware. Interesting that you are positive it is entirely deliberate. Maybe classifying it as a media company and regulating it that way might be possible or preferable?

paranoia machinery 2y ago

Western society is gay. Let tik tok destroy it

hes⚡️ 2y ago

Very thought provoking of you. Thanks for the useless insight.

Western society has brought about nearly every single technological & medical advancement over the last several centuries.

Society ≠ culture