GOP Split Over TikTok Ban Exposed by Rand Paul's Block.

Republican Senator Rand Paul blocked Senator Josh Hawley's attempt to fast-track a ban of TikTok's app in the United States, citing concerns about violating the First Amendment and the potential for the ban to harm the Republican party's political prospects. Hawley argued that China's intent to build a profile on every American was clear, while Paul argued that the accusations against TikTok could also be leveled against American companies. The two senators have introduced different bills targeting TikTok, with Hawley's specifically targeting the app and Warner-Thune's targeting technology tied to China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela that poses a national security risk.