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  • TikTok, National Security, and the AI Arms Race: What You Need to Know

TikTok, National Security, and the AI Arms Race: What You Need to Know

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I had the privilege of joining Fox 5 three times last week, and on each occasion, I discussed one of the most critical and misunderstood tech debates of our time: TikTok, its role in national security, and its connection to the global AI race.

Here’s a recap of the discussions and why this issue matters to all of us.

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TikTok might seem like a fun distraction, but its influence and underlying technology extend far beyond viral videos.

Here’s what’s really at stake:

1. National Security: With over 170 million U.S. users, TikTok collects massive amounts of data, from user habits to location information. If this data is accessible to foreign governments, it poses risks to privacy and even national security.

2. Global Influence: TikTok’s algorithm isn’t neutral—it’s a powerful tool for shaping public perception. Imagine an app that could subtly push certain ideas or silence others, impacting everything from elections to societal unity.

3. The AI Arms Race: TikTok isn’t just a social media platform; it’s a key player in the development of artificial intelligence. The algorithms powering TikTok are training advanced AI systems, and whoever controls this technology gains an edge in the global race for AI dominance.Key Takeaways from My Appearances

1. The Fight for Control: The U.S. Supreme Court has mandated that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divest its U.S. operations or face a ban. This isn’t just about ownership—it’s about securing control of one of the most advanced algorithms in the world.

2. Potential Buyers: We discussed the possibility of Elon Musk, Oracle, or even OpenAI stepping in to acquire TikTok. Each scenario comes with its own opportunities and risks, from revolutionizing the platform to escalating geopolitical tensions.

3. Why This Matters to You: Whether you’re a business owner, a policymaker, or just a TikTok user, this debate isn’t happening in a vacuum. The decisions made about TikTok today could shape the future of data, AI, and global power dynamics.

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The reality of the situation as I see it...This isn’t just a tech story. It’s a wake-up call. AI isn’t the future—it’s here, and it’s reshaping the way we work, think, and interact. Platforms like TikTok are at the heart of this transformation, and the decisions we make today will have ripple effects for decades to come.

What do you think about the TikTok debate and its implications for national security and AI?

Keep up the good work,

Chris

Torque AI

PS

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