TikTok’s Campaign of Using Influencers to Target Lawmakers Could Backfire

‘Our intention is for TikTok to continue to operate, but not under the control of the Chinese Communist Party,’ said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi.

The TikTok logo is displayed on signage outside the TikTok social media app company offices in Culver City, Calif., on March 16, 2023. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

WASHINGTON—Key congress members and their aides say they’ve been besieged by phone calls triggered by a campaign sent out by Chinese social media giant TikTok.

Some of their constituents were delivered full-screen notifications on TikTok.