TikTok has reportedly hired SKDK, a corporate and political consulting firm that worked on President Biden’s 2020 campaign. However, representatives for both companies have not yet commented on the partnership. TikTok has been under scrutiny in recent months, with former President Trump seeking to ban the app.
Fox Business reports the app faces criticism from both sides of the political spectrum over concerns about data sharing with the Chinese Communist Party and possible risks of cyber espionage, surveillance, and collection of sensitive information. Many states, including Maryland, South Dakota, and Texas, have banned the app from government or personal devices connected to government-run networks. As the possibility of a ban in the U.S. looms, TikTok may be seeking relief by hiring SKDK.
SKDK has traditionally provided strategic communications to Democratic candidates, including President Biden. The firm’s employees include White House senior advisor Anita Dunn, White House communications directors Kate Berner and Herbie Ziskend, and Interior Department press secretary Tyler Cherry.
Democrat Senator Mark Warner of Virginia and 11 other senators from both parties have proposed bipartisan legislation enabling the administration to act against TikTok, including a possible ban. Warner believes that TikTok poses a national security threat that could collect data from Americans and potentially manipulate videos for propaganda. President Biden’s plans for TikTok remain unclear, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declining to comment on whether the app will be banned.
