WSJ: Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO, Has Been Lobbying US Congress Since Last Year
"Facebook Is the Biggest Beneficiary of TikTok Regulation"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, is reported to have raised concerns with the U.S. government and Congress that TikTok poses a national security threat.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 23rd (local time), Zuckerberg reportedly told President Donald Trump at a private dinner at the White House in late October last year that "the rise of Chinese internet companies threatens American companies," and argued that "regulations on Chinese internet companies should be taken more seriously than regulations on Facebook."
Zuckerberg has also claimed in university lectures and other forums that TikTok does not promise freedom of expression like Facebook and poses a threat to American values and technological supremacy. It is reported that he has shared these views with lawmakers and political figures as well.
WSJ cited sources familiar with the matter, reporting that Zuckerberg specifically mentioned TikTok, a rapidly growing popular Chinese video application in the U.S., during meetings with several U.S. senators.
It is understood that Zuckerberg sent a letter last September to U.S. intelligence agencies, along with Republican Congressman Tom Cotton and Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, requesting an investigation into TikTok.
Subsequently, the U.S. government launched a national security investigation into TikTok, and President Trump began discussing a complete ban on TikTok usage.
WSJ reported that Facebook stands to gain the most from regulations targeting TikTok.
However, WSJ added that it is unclear how much Zuckerberg’s statements influenced the U.S. government’s regulatory actions against TikTok.
Alongside Zuckerberg’s efforts, Facebook has also been active in lobbying.
Facebook created a lobbying group called "America’s Edge," which ran advertisements praising the contributions of American IT companies to the U.S. economy, national security, and cultural influence.
According to the non-profit research organization Center for Responsive Politics, Facebook’s lobbying expenditures surged from 8th place last year to 1st place in the first half of this year.
It remains uncertain whether TikTok will be able to continue its business in the U.S. amid President Trump’s regulatory crackdown. Microsoft (MS), Twitter, and Oracle are reportedly competing to acquire TikTok.
WSJ reported that if TikTok is actually acquired by one of these companies, Facebook will face a formidable competitor.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
