
Washington lawmakers have introduced a bill calling for TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company or be banned in the U.S. When users opened the app, they were urged to oppose the legislation, leading to a surge in calls to Capitol Hill offices.
The message on the app read, “Stop a TikTok shutdown,” with a button to call representatives and urge them to vote against the bill. By midday, congressional phone lines were flooded, with some calls coming from teenagers. Lawmakers’ staff members reported receiving hundreds of calls, with one office getting around a hundred. TikTok also sent push alerts to users, further encouraging action.
Some users reported being unable to use the app until they made the call. TikTok explained that users could swipe right to dismiss the message, which was initially confusing as users typically swipe up to view the next video. The company later made the “X” to close the message more visible.
Technology companies often rally users against legislation, but this effort was more blatant. The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the bill unanimously, aiming to force ByteDance to sell TikTok. Lawmakers have long been concerned about national security risks associated with ByteDance’s ties to Beijing.
Representatives Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi criticized TikTok’s message as misleading, accusing the app of lying and interfering with the legislative process. TikTok declined to comment on its strategy. The bill must pass both the House and Senate before becoming law. Senator Warner expressed concerns about directly targeting TikTok and ByteDance in the bill but promised to review it closely.
Democratic digital strategist Mike Nellis called TikTok’s alert a smart organizing tactic but warned it could backfire by highlighting foreign tech influence in the U.S. Lawmakers received guidance on responding to calls, including scripts debunking TikTok’s alleged deception about the bill and its connection to China. The House Energy and Commerce Committee advised staff to inform callers that breaking off ties with China will free TikTok from foreign influence.