In a recent interview, Representative Jaamal Bowman, a staunch Democrat from New York, shrugged off concerns about the Chinese-owned app TikTok, categorizing them as nothing but mere “fearmongering” and “xenophobia.”
He confidently stated he hasn’t come across any concrete evidence of Chinese espionage.
Bowman: TikTok Ban Nothing But Political Fearmongering
To bolster his stance, Bowman pointed out there are several Chinese apps on our phones currently, rendering the notion that TikTok is a dreaded “boogeyman” as nothing but political fearmongering.
According to Bowman, such criticisms are rooted in “xenophobia around China.”
Democrat Jamaal Bowman says the Republican effort to ban TikTok is “racist”.
Why is EVERYTHING about race with the left? 🤦🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/KeFe7K0Mum
— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) March 22, 2023
In a move to defend the popular app, Bowman planned to host a press conference on Wednesday, where he will be joined by prominent TikTok creators. The goal of the conference is to bring out the good things about the app and get rid of any bad ideas about it.
Bowman, an avid user of the app himself, spoke passionately about the importance of TikTok as a platform for creators to express their ideas, inspirations, and voices.
He questioned the justification for outlawing a platform that over 150 million Americans now use, pointing out that TikTok has integrated itself into many people’s lives.
Rep. Jamaal Bowman: ‘Why the hysteria and the panic and the targeting of TikTok? … It poses about the same threat that companies like Facebook, and Instagram, and YouTube, and Twitter pose.’ pic.twitter.com/V82XfQvDyk
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) March 22, 2023
Bowman: No Concrete Evidence to Prove Allegations Against Tiktok
Bowman’s unwavering stance on the issue stems from his belief there is no concrete evidence to suggest that TikTok is involved in any form of espionage.
Even though there have been rumors and hints about the app, he says there is no “hard evidence” to back up these claims. In his view, the allegations against TikTok are nothing but speculation, fueled by unfounded fears and concerns about China.
In contrast to Representative Bowman’s view, there are some who have expressed concerns about the national security implications of TikTok.
Several Republican-led states have already banned the app on government devices, citing such concerns. Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia has gone a step further, calling for a nationwide ban on TikTok.
This article appeared in Right Wing Insider and has been published here with permission.
