TikTok and its China-based parent company, ByteDance, have collectively spent over $7 million to counter legislation that could lead to the social media app's ban in the United States.
TikTok, ByteDance Invest Over $7 Million to Counter Potential Ban in the US
According to CNBC, ByteDance allocated $2.68 million towards in-house TikTok lobbyists during the first quarter of the year, as indicated in new lobbying disclosure reports.
On the other hand, TikTok has spent more than $4.5 million this year on a comprehensive advertising campaign across television and digital platforms to oppose legislation that could result in the app's ban, according to data from AdImpact.
A spokesperson for TikTok told CNBC that these expenditures are part of their ongoing efforts to inform policymakers about the potential implications of legislative actions on the platform's extensive user base of 170 million Americans.
TikTok Lobbied Congress and President Joe Biden's Executive Office
The disclosure reports reveal how TikTok officials lobbied with various branches of the US government, including Congress and the executive office of President Joe Biden, last quarter.
According to CNBC, efforts have been directed toward key divisions in The Executive Office of the President, such as the National Security Council, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of the US Trade Representative.
The recent spending on in-house lobbying did not reportedly include other payments made to external consultants.
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