The White House has launched an official TikTok account, despite the uncertain future of the Chinese-owned social media app in the United States.
The account’s first post on Tuesday was a 27-second video featuring a voiceover from President Donald Trump, saying: “Every day I wake up determined to deliver a better life for the People all across this nation. I am your voice.” The account’s description read: “Welcome to the Golden Age of America”.
TikTok, which remains owned by Chinese technology company ByteDance, is popular among young people and has an estimated 170 million users in the US.
Trump has so far delayed the implementation of a 2024 law that ordered TikTok to either sell to non-Chinese buyers or be banned in the US, with three 90-day extensions.
The US House of Representatives voted 352 to 65 in favor of the “sell or ban” bill in March 2024, with widespread support from both Republicans and Democrats.
The decision to launch a TikTok account comes amid growing concerns over data privacy and national security.
Many members of both parties have used the TikTok platform for campaigning and official communications, despite the potential risks.
“Rather than target one company in a rushed and secretive process, Congress should pass comprehensive data privacy protections and do a better job of informing the public of the threats these companies may pose to national security,” Representative Barbara Lee had posted on the social media platform X.
The White House’s decision to use TikTok for official communications has also raised questions about the potential for propaganda and disinformation.
As the app’s popularity continues to grow, concerns over its impact on young people and its potential to spread misinformation are becoming increasingly pressing.
On Tuesday, the US state of Minnesota joined a wave of states suing TikTok, alleging the social media giant preys on young people with addictive algorithms that trap them into becoming compulsive consumers of its short videos.
Minnesota is also among dozens of US states that have sued Meta Platforms for allegedly building features into Instagram and Facebook that addict people. The messaging service Snapchat and the gaming platform Roblox are also facing lawsuits by some other states alleging harm to children.
The lawsuits highlight the growing concern over the impact of social media on young people and the need for greater regulation and oversight.
As the debate over TikTok’s future in the US continues, it remains to be seen how the White House’s decision to launch an official account will be received.