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During the coronavirus crisis, Americans have increasingly turned to technology for work, school, keeping in touch with friends and loved ones, and entertainment. Staying at home, we improvised and took advantage of the video chats and conference calls that connected us to the outside world.

At the same time, droves of young Americans found virtual community and amusement on TikTok, a popular video sharing platform. And, contrary to what our kids may believe, it is not a safe space.

Videos uploaded by American children and teenagers, which can range from seemingly benign dance routines to harmful depictions of violence or worse, are stored on TikToks servers deep within communist China along with every TikTok users personal information. Owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, TikTok is a shameless front for data harvesting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

If youre concerned about TikToks influence and encroachment on the American people, youre not alone. Recently, President Donald Trump and national security leaders like Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have indicated that they will not allow TikTok to continue pocketing the private data of American citizens.

Congress also is taking action. On the China Task Force, we have been taking on the CCP and exposing TikToks efforts to mine Americans data and edge out competition in the free market. We know that the CCPs end goal is to limit free speech and the flow of information in America and across the world.

Our nation simply cannot allow this trajectory to continue. Ending TikToks influence in the United States would be a solid step in the right direction, but this platform is just the beginning of our problems. For too long, the Chinese communist government has sought to exert influence in the world by gaining dominance in the global telecommunications network.

In addition to TikToks parent company ByteDance, the CCP uses pawns like Huawei and ZTE to gain control over next-generation technology including artificial intelligence, semiconductor production, quantum computing and 5G.

Enabled by years of manipulative practices, including cheating and even outright theft, the Chinese government is poised to achieve global dominance in the technology and telecommunications sectors with the ultimate goal of controlling critical market segments and weaponizing global supply chains for medical equipment, weapons and other critical electronics.

In the 21st century, America cannot allow China to win the race to next-generation technology, and we on the China Task Force are leading Congress efforts in this pursuit.

Countering Chinas overreach into our technology requires a comprehensive approach. To be successful, we must equip young Americans with the skills and resources they need to once again lead in innovation. Additionally, we must move the manufacturing of our technology away from China.

As a solution, I introduced legislation that seeks to end Americas dependence on China for the rare earth elements and other minerals which are used to manufacture medical supplies, defense technology and high-tech products by establishing a supply chain for these resources in the United States. Instead of relying on China for the materials needed to make smartphones and other devices that we use every day, we should be utilizing the resources that we have here at home. In Pennsylvania, we have the dedicated skilled workforce and the rich stores of minerals needed to move the supply chain away from the hostile Chinese government and create jobs in our community.

Given Americans ever-increasing dependence on technology, its more important than ever that we guard against cyberattacks and protect our country from foreign interference. As our nation seeks to combat the CCP, we know that theres a long road ahead but this is the time to make a difference.

Each parents first step should be removing the spies from our childrens pockets by deleting TikTok to protect their privacy and thats just the beginning. Beyond banning TikTok, we must take steps today to limit the Chinese governments attempts to gain dominance tomorrow.

As a nation, we cannot afford to fall behind and endanger our national security. On the China Task Force, we are working to protect you and your data from the Chinese communist government. To win this fight, the China Task Force is leading the way to correct course and ensure that Americans are never beholden to the CCP.

U.S. Rep. John Joyce, M.D., a Republican from Altoona, represents Pennsylvanias 13th Congressional District.

Categories:Featured Commentary | Opinion

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Rep. John Joyce: TikTok, the spy in your child's pocket, just tip of tech iceberg - TribLIVE