Va. Panel Clears Bill to Ban TikTok

A Virginia bill to ban TikTok on state government devices cleared the House Communications Committee by a 12-10 vote at a livestreamed hearing Monday. HB-2385 by Chair Emily Brewer (R) would effectively codify an executive order by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R). All Democratic committee members opposed the bill, including Del. Marcus Simon, who said he understood Republicans’ desire to chase a “big red menace” for political points. Del. Daniel Helmer (D) raised concerns about anti-Asian discrimination. Brewer bristled, saying TikTok has real ties to the Chinese government. The federal government (see 2212270051) and more than 20 states (see 2301120048) have banned TikTok on government devices.