Jacob Helberg, a U.S.–China Commissioner, has been a key figure in promoting anti-TikTok sentiment in Congress, while also being employed by Palantir, a defense contractor that could benefit from increased US/China tensions. This connection raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially as Palantir has aggressively lobbied for a TikTok ban. Congressman Mike Gallagher, after introducing legislation to ban TikTok citing the risk of China using it to "surveil its users," is reportedly leaving Congress to join Palantir. This move has sparked discussions about the motivations behind the TikTok ban and the role of corporate influence in legislative processes. Additionally, it's noted that Palantir, known for its surveillance capabilities, has previously assisted the NSA in mass surveillance activities, the same type of surveillance TikTok is accused of.
Palantir... the surveillance firm that aggressively lobbied for the TikTok ban introduced by @RepGallagher? Got it 😏 https://t.co/5UwIZmSjti
Mike Gallagher pushed the bill to ban TikTok because China can "surveil its users." Now, he's resigning and joining an American surveillance firm More: https://t.co/s1CpCfv3RW https://t.co/s1CpCfv3RW
Worth pointing out that Snowden materials prove Palantir, where vocal anti-TikTok figures like Jacob Helberg and now (reportedly soon) Mike Gallagher work, helped the NSA conduct exactly the kind of mass surveillance they cite as a reason to ban TikTok https://t.co/nuX8D5ZQYL https://t.co/S1XXs7FljF
For those who aren’t tracking: First: Palantir says “Congress should ban TikTok.” Second: Congressman Mike Gallagher introduces legislation to ban TikTok. Third: Mike Gallagher quits congress, reportedly got hired by Palantir. Nothing to see here folks! https://t.co/NHvmKThX7l
U.S.–China Commissioner Jacob Helberg fearmongered about TikTok in Congress. He also works for a giant defense contractor. @samfbiddle on the stealth corporate influence of Palantir and friends, on Capitol Hill and beyond. https://t.co/8oagGqJFmE
I wrote about an under-discussed aspect of the national TikTok freakout: Jacob Helberg, who has been instrumental in driving anti-TikTok fear in Congress, also works at Palantir, which stands to immensely benefit from US/China tensions or conflict https://t.co/ZF0oiwWYB6