Curtailing TikTok Infringes on National Security Concerns, Argues Center for Data Innovation
In a recent statement, Gillian Diebold, Policy Analyst at the Center for Data Innovation, has called for a shift in focus from TikTok's links to China to enhancing the privacy and security practices of all online services. This change in perspective comes as the Biden administration continues to work with TikTok to establish practices addressing national security concerns, and the deal is still ongoing.
Diebold emphasised that policymakers should concentrate on more significant issues, such as forced tech transfer, rather than small concerns like one social media app. She also warned against blanket bans on apps based on foreign ownership, stating that such measures could potentially harm U.S. businesses in the long run.
Instead, Diebold proposed a proactive approach that integrates technological innovation with cybersecurity and national security policies. This strategy aims to safeguard Americans against state-level cyber threats, including those from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), by emphasising trusted technology supply chains, proactive threat detection, and coordinated national defence.
Key strategies include promoting secure-by-design AI technologies, bolstering critical infrastructure cybersecurity, creating an AI Information Sharing and Analysis Center (AI-ISAC), incorporating AI incident response capabilities into existing national cybersecurity frameworks, updating standards and guidance, and facilitating secure and streamlined infrastructure growth.
Moreover, Diebold suggested that legislation should create transparency requirements for social media companies to disclose information about government requests for consumer data or attempts to manipulate or censor content. She also proposed passing federal privacy legislation to protect consumer data and require companies to disclose who they share data with and hold them accountable for those statements.
In light of these recommendations, Diebold urged policymakers to wait for the results of the administration's efforts with TikTok before making decisions. She also pointed out that countries could seek to block U.S. online services over similar national security concerns if the U.S. bans TikTok.
In conclusion, the focus should be on improving the privacy and security practices of all online services, not just those owned by foreign entities. By following this approach, policymakers can work towards building a safer and more secure digital environment for all Americans.
- Gillian Diebold, Policy Analyst at the Center for Data Innovation, has advocated for policymakers to prioritize enhancing the privacy and security practices of all online services, rather than focusing on specific apps like TikTok.
- Diebold's strategy includes the integration of technological innovation with cybersecurity and national security policies, aimed at safeguarding Americans against state-level cyber threats, such as those from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
- Key aspects of this strategy involve promoting secure-by-design AI technologies, bolstering critical infrastructure cybersecurity, creating an AI Information Sharing and Analysis Center (AI-ISAC), updating standards and guidance, and facilitating secure and streamlined infrastructure growth.
- Diebold has proposed that legislation should require social media companies to disclose information about government requests for consumer data or attempts to manipulate or censor content, and pass federal privacy legislation to protect consumer data and hold companies accountable for their data-sharing practices.
