The central question addresses the potential avenues available to a former U.S. President to influence or regulate the operations of the social media platform TikTok. This involves considering executive powers, legislative actions he might support or oppose, and the broader influence he could exert on public and political discourse regarding the platform’s presence within the United States. For example, this might involve advocating for stricter data security measures or pushing for divestiture by its parent company.
Understanding these possibilities is important due to ongoing concerns surrounding data privacy, national security, and the potential for foreign government influence through social media applications. Historically, the U.S. government has shown an interest in regulating technologies perceived as posing risks to national interests. This area of inquiry delves into the extent to which an individual, even without holding office, can shape policy and public opinion on such matters.
