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WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative August Pfluger has joined Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter and Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers in condemning TikTok for its role in spreading terrorist propaganda and antisemitic content related to Hamas' recent attack on Israel. In a letter addressed to TikTok CEO Shou Chew, Pfluger and his colleagues demand immediate action to combat the platform's influence over young users.

The letter, signed by 25 members of Congress, highlights the alarming statistics of videos on TikTok that promote terrorist organizations and propagate hatred. In a 30-day period, videos with the hashtag #freepalestine received a staggering 946 million views, with more than half of those views coming from young adults aged 18-24. Simultaneously, a trend glorifying Osama Bin Laden and the September 11, 2001, attack on Americans garnered millions of views, showcasing the app's ability to shape the opinions of its users.

The members of Congress express their concern over the rampant dissemination of disinformation on TikTok following Hamas' attack on Israel, stating, "You have led these generations to believe that TikTok is an 'unfiltered' news source." They argue that the platform's promotion of pro-terrorist content is fueling antisemitic rhetoric and violent protests on college campuses nationwide. The letter also accuses TikTok of allowing itself to be co-opted by the Chinese Communist Party, turning into a mouthpiece for antisemites, terrorists, and propaganda.

Among the signatories of the letter are Reps. Troy Balderson, John Joyce, Dan Crenshaw, Kat Cammack, Larry Bucshon, Tim Walberg, Gus M. Bilirakis, Rick W. Allen, Gary Palmer, Robert E. Latta, Greg Pence, Brett Guthrie, Jeff Duncan, Debbie Lesko, Randy K. Weber, Russ Fulcher, Richard Hudson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Bill Johnson, Neal P. Dunn, Diana Harshbarger, and John Curtis. The full text of the letter can be found here.

TikTok's role in spreading terrorist propaganda and promoting antisemitism has raised concerns among lawmakers, particularly due to its significant influence over young users. The platform's ability to shape opinions and disseminate false information is worrisome, as many younger generations rely on TikTok as a primary source of news.

As the letter to TikTok CEO Shou Chew highlights, urgent action is needed to address this issue and prevent the further spread of terrorist propaganda and antisemitism. It is crucial for social media platforms to take responsibility for the content they allow on their platforms and ensure that they do not become breeding grounds for hate and misinformation.

Click this link to access more information: https://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=950