A prominent TikTok creator, known for his sizable following on the Chinese-owned app, has thrown his support behind a US government initiative aimed at forcing the platform’s sale. This endorsement follows recent legislative developments, including a bill passed by the House of Representatives, potentially leading to a permanent ban on TikTok in the United States. The influencer, citing firsthand concerns, is urging American officials to take decisive action.
Zach Sage Fox, a comedian and actor with over one million TikTok followers, voiced his support for the push to ban the platform, despite the potential impact on his own earnings. Concerns about TikTok’s content and influence have escalated, particularly regarding issues like the spread of misinformation and promotion of harmful activities.
“I am terrified of what I am seeing on TikTok,” Zach stated. He highlighted the platform’s role in disseminating misinformation, especially regarding sensitive topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Expressing alarm over the content he has encountered, Zach emphasized the urgent need for action to address these issues.
The House of Representatives recently passed the “Disinvest-or-Ban” bill, marking a significant step toward potential action against TikTok. The legislation requires ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, to divest within nine months, setting a precedent as the first bill aimed at shutting down a social media platform by the US government.
Rep. Ritchie Torres praised the bill’s passage as a bipartisan breakthrough against the influence of TikTok’s “Chinese Communist owners.” He highlighted concerns about the platform’s potential for spreading misinformation, radicalizing users, and amplifying antisemitism. With approximately 150 million users in the US, TikTok’s popularity has raised alarm among lawmakers, who view it as a tool for information warfare by the CCP.
As discussions around TikTok’s future continue, Zach’s endorsement of government action underscores the growing consensus among creators and legislators regarding the need for accountability and oversight on social media platforms.