Chances are you’ll solely know TikTok because the massively common social video app for phone-obsessed teenagers, however currently the app has been caught within the political fray. On Wednesday, the US Home of Representatives authorised a bipartisan invoice that, ought to it change into legislation, would require TikTok’s guardian firm, the Chinese language agency ByteDance, to promote the app or else see it banned on units within the US. Lawmakers within the US have expressed issues that knowledge from American TikTok customers is being shared with a Chinese language firm, and that subsequently TikTok poses a menace to nationwide safety.
This week on Gadget Lab, we’re joined by WIRED’s senior politics author Makena Kelly to speak about these safety issues, what this invoice means for the remainder of the tech business, and what may occur if TikTok is definitely banned.
Present Notes
Learn Makena on the invoice that will ban TikTok, and browse Vittoria Elliott’s replace on Wednesday’s vote. We even have directions to get your movies off TikTok. Learn all of WIRED’s TikTok protection.
Suggestions
Makena recommends going to the workplace. (Actually.) Mike recommends Ener-C powdered vitamin drink combine. Lauren reiterates Kate Knibbs’ earlier suggestion of American Fiction, the movie that simply gained an Oscar for finest tailored screenplay.
Makena Kelly will be discovered on social media @kellymakena. Lauren Goode is @LaurenGoode. Michael Calore is @snackfight. Bling the principle hotline at @GadgetLab. The present is produced by Boone Ashworth (@booneashworth). Our theme music is by Photo voltaic Keys.
The right way to Pay attention
You may at all times hearken to this week’s podcast by way of the audio participant on this web page, however if you wish to subscribe free of charge to get each episode, this is how:
In the event you’re on an iPhone or iPad, open the app referred to as Podcasts, or simply faucet this hyperlink. It’s also possible to obtain an app like Overcast or Pocket Casts, and seek for Gadget Lab. In the event you use Android, you will discover us within the Google Podcasts app simply by tapping right here. We’re on Spotify too. And in case you actually need it, this is the RSS feed.
