Could The Proposed TikTok Ban Bill Be A Patriot Act 2.0?

Bill S.686 – RESTRICT Act, more widely referred to as the Tik Tok Ban, was introduced into legislation in early March by Senators Warner and Thune. The bill, which has bipartisan support, aims to block or disrupt transactions and financial holdings involving foreign adversaries that pose risks to national security.

Although the primary targets of this legislation are social media companies like TikTok, the language of the bill could be used to block or disrupt cryptocurrency transactions and, in extreme cases, block Americans’ access to open-source tools or protocols like Bitcoin.

Some are voicing their concerns over the bill, saying it “gives the government the ability to go after anyone they determine as a national security risk, at which point they can access everything from their computer to video games to their ring light.”

Others are calling it a Patriot Act for the internet, as well as the Patriot Act 2.0.

Points of concern also include speculation of social media outlets like Facebook and Instagram giving the government power to decide what can be seen or posted and labeling what they determine as harmful.

Tucker Carlson shares additional points of concern worthy of noting, calling it a “Trojan Horse.”