Sioux City Times

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) recently voted for the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, a move aimed at safeguarding national security by addressing concerns related to apps like TikTok and their ties to foreign adversaries, particularly China. The legislation requires such apps to sever ties with companies controlled by foreign adversaries or face a ban in the United States.

Speaking about the importance of the Act, Rep. Feenstra stated, "As a father of four, I believe that TikTok is a serious threat to our national security, our economy, and the wellbeing of our kids. We know that TikTok’s parent company – ByteDance – is largely controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, which directly exposes Americans to Chinese data collection, surveillance, cyberattacks, and propaganda."

Highlighting the significance of the legislation, Rep. Feenstra emphasized, "This legislation will protect Americans from unlawful data collection, keep our children safe from Chinese influence, and prevent other adversaries like North Korea, Iran, and Russia from using apps to spy on Americans and steal personal information. I proudly support this effort to protect our kids and stop China’s mission to destabilize our country."

The Act aims to enhance data security, protect individuals from potential surveillance and cyberattacks, and mitigate the risks posed by foreign adversaries utilizing apps to gather personal information. Feenstra's vote aligns with efforts to safeguard American interests and counter threats posed by entities seeking to exploit technology for malicious purposes.