TikTok and National Security

The commentary begins by discussing recent legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives and the related national security concerns surrounding TikTok. Contrary to popular belief, the author argues that the commonly cited risks may be overstated. Instead, the real threat lies in the broader use of Chinese software within U.S. apps and networks. The author frames the TikTok issue as part of a larger challenge posed by deep technological interdependence with a strategic competitor that lacks mutual trust with the United States.
The piece then explores potential solutions and strategic paths forward for both TikTok and the U.S. government, considering perspectives of security, economics, and regulation. It goes beyond surface-level analysis to highlight a more fundamental concern: the widespread presence of opaque Chinese software in U.S. digital infrastructure, over which American citizens have little to no visibility.
The author emphasizes the need to reestablish external oversight of Chinese software and system updates. Among the proposed long-term solutions are the creation of a citizen oversight board composed of individuals with security clearances and the early, sustained involvement of the Department of Commerce’s Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services.