Bonamici Statement on Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act

The TikTok bill, named the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” was up for a vote today. I voted no. We must do more to protect personal information online, safeguard national security, and protect our electoral system from foreign interference, but targeting TikTok is the wrong approach. Instead of targeting one company, we should consider comprehensive legislation to improve how Americans access and control their data across all apps and uses. I also have serious constitutional concerns about this bill. The First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution enshrines the protection of free speech and a press free from fear of retribution from the government. Protecting this right is a cornerstone of our democracy, and one that I am committed to upholding. We should return to the table and negotiate a more comprehensive and effective approach to data privacy.