FCC Chair Backs Bill Forcing TikTok Parent To Divest

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel finds it shocking that U.S. law prevents foreign ownership of old media assets but has nothing to say about new media — including the wildly popular TikTok, which is owned by a Chinese company. 

A bill passed by the House last month would require parent company ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a ban in the U.S. However, the bill appears to have stalled in the Senate. If it ever makes it to the President’s desk, she believes he should absolutely sign it.

Jessica Rosenworcel

Rosenworcel emphasizes that while the FCC doesn’t have authority over apps like TikTok, the lack of oversight for newer forms of media is stunning. She highlights the need to be thoughtful about who invests in media in the country. 

Additionally, she discusses the impending vote on reinstating net neutrality rules, online privacy, and her push for a new “cyber trust mark” for connected devices in homes. The goal is to ensure basic standards and safety for consumers when purchasing devices like baby monitors.

The commission is set to vote April 25 on reinstating the net neutrality rules repealed by Rosenworcel’s predecessor Agit Pai. The rules prevents internet providers from blocking or throttling consumer access to websites or services, creating fast lanes, or censoring content. Basically, net neutrality categorizes internet providers as common carriers, similar to the regulatory classification given to landline phone service.