WATCH LIVE: TikTok CEO testifies before Congress as lawmakers consider national ban

Cami Mondeaux

March 23, 09:00 AM March 23, 09:02 AM

iFrame Object

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is set to testify before Congress for the first time on Thursday to answer questions on the app’s data collection policies as lawmakers consider whether to ban the social media platform in the United States.

Chew is expected to highlight the app’s popularity, citing more than 150 million users in the U.S. alone. Chew has actively sought to protect the app’s presence in the U.S., warning users in a video on Tuesday that “politicians have started to talk about banning TikTok,” which could “take TikTok away from all 150 million of you.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The CEO’s testimony comes as lawmakers on Capitol Hill and President Joe Biden openly consider an outright ban on the Chinese-owned app due to national security concerns. Some Democrats have come out against a ban, arguing such a move is motivated in part by racial bias — noting domestic social media companies have similar data collection policies.

Chew is scheduled to testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee at 10 a.m.