Part 14/16:
He points to the fundamental difference: TikTok operates under Chinese control, leading to questions about whether any version of the platform can be truly separated from its origins. The concern remains that the app continues to serve as a surveillance tool and a vector for influence.
The Future of Social Media and U.S. Technological Sovereignty
The discussion closes with reflections on whether America could or should develop competitive social media platforms independent of Chinese influence. Yates expresses skepticism about the current technological landscape, lamenting the absence of a robust U.S. alternative to TikTok despite the wealth of American ingenuity and resources.