Lawmakers call for crackdown on TikTok over security concerns.
Lawmakers call for crackdown.
Script:
Lawmakers in the United States are increasingly calling for action against popular social media platform TikTok, amid concerns about its Chinese ownership and potential for spying. While no consensus has been reached, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have proposed bills aimed at banning the platform or creating a wall between its US operations and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Some lawmakers have also criticized the app for its impact on young people, with Republican Senator Ted Cruz calling it a "Chinese espionage tool" that encourages self-destructive behavior among teenagers.
Late last year, a spending package was passed that included legislation banning TikTok on millions of federal government devices. However, lawmakers are now calling for further action, with some Democrats also expressing support for a national ban on the app. The concerns come amid growing scrutiny of social media platforms and their impact on mental health and wellbeing, particularly among teenagers.
"lawmakers remain skeptical"
TikTok has responded to the criticism by calling for a dialogue with lawmakers and stressing its commitment to community safety. The company has also suggested that a potential security agreement could be reached through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CIFIUS), which would include layers of government and independent oversight to ensure no data breaches occur. However, many lawmakers remain skeptical of the platform's intentions and are calling for more stringent measures to protect American users.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or False - Lawmakers in the United States are concerned about TikTok due to its Chinese ownership and potential for spying. T/F
b) True or False - All lawmakers in the United States have reached a consensus on how to deal with TikTok. T/F
c) True or False - TikTok has been banned on millions of federal government devices. T/F
d) True or False - TikTok has not responded to the criticism from lawmakers and has not made any efforts to address concerns. T/F
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.
a) "Espionage"
b) "Scrutiny"
c) "Oversight"
d) "Stringent"
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.
a) Espionage:
b) Scrutiny:
c) Oversight:
d) Stringent:
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
Students can roleplay a conversation between a US lawmaker who is concerned about TikTok's potential for spying and a representative from TikTok who is trying to address those concerns. The lawmaker might ask about TikTok's security measures and data collection practices, while the TikTok representative could explain the company's commitment to community safety and suggest potential security agreements.
Students can roleplay a conversation between a teenager who uses TikTok and their concerned parent. The parent might express worries about TikTok's impact on mental health and wellbeing, while the teenager could defend the platform and explain why they enjoy using it. The conversation could explore the benefits and drawbacks of social media use.
Students can roleplay a conversation between a Democrat and Republican lawmaker who have differing opinions about TikTok. The Democrat might express support for a national ban on the app, while the Republican could argue that banning TikTok is an overreaction and that the focus should be on increasing oversight and security measures. The conversation could explore the political and ideological divides that can arise when dealing with complex issues like social media regulation.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Compare and Contrast - What are some pros and cons of social media use?
Part 8: Critical Thinking - Banning TikTok.
Statement: “TikTok should be banned an all devices in America”.
Work in groups and discuss the above statement. Team A supports the statement and Team B opposes it. Then come back as a class and make a decision on whether you think TikTok should be banned in America or not.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
The main idea of the article is that lawmakers in the United States are expressing concerns about TikTok, a popular social media platform, due to its Chinese ownership and potential for spying. Some lawmakers are proposing bills to ban the platform or create a wall between its US operations and its Chinese parent company, while others are criticizing the app for its impact on young people. The article discusses the actions that lawmakers have taken so far and the response from TikTok, which has called for a dialogue with lawmakers and suggested a potential security agreement through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CIFIUS). The article was likely written to inform readers about the growing concerns and actions being taken by lawmakers regarding TikTok and its impact on national security and user safety.
Part 2: True or False
A: True B: False C: True D: False
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
a) "Espionage" Answer: Espionage refers to the practice of spying or gathering information secretly. In the context of the article, Republican Senator Ted Cruz refers to TikTok as a "Chinese espionage tool" that encourages self-destructive behavior among teenagers.
b) "Scrutiny" Answer: Scrutiny means critical examination or inspection. In the article, there is growing scrutiny of social media platforms and their impact on mental health and wellbeing, particularly among teenagers.
c) "Oversight" Answer: Oversight refers to the responsibility of supervising or monitoring something. In the context of the article, TikTok has suggested a potential security agreement through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CIFIUS), which would include layers of government and independent oversight to ensure no data breaches occur.
d) "Stringent"Answer: Stringent means strict or severe. In the article, many lawmakers remain skeptical of the platform's intentions and are calling for more stringent measures to protect American users.
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use - Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)
a) Espionage: The spy's job was to gather classified information through espionage techniques, such as intercepting coded messages and infiltrating secure facilities.
b) Scrutiny: The new government policy came under intense scrutiny from both experts and the public to ensure its effectiveness and fairness.
c) Oversight: The lack of proper oversight led to significant financial losses for the company.
d) Stringent: The company has implemented stringent quality control measures to ensure that its products meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Part 7: Writing (example)
Social media has its pros and cons. On the positive side, it connects people worldwide, fostering friendships and providing a platform for sharing ideas and experiences. It also serves as a source of news and information. However, there are drawbacks. Excessive use can lead to addiction, privacy concerns, and mental health issues. Misinformation can spread quickly, and cyberbullying is a concern. It's essential to strike a balance in using social media to harness its benefits while being aware of its potential pitfalls.
