Shou Chew, the chief executive of TikTok, appeared before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 23, 2023. Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers ran the first round herself, and asked for yes-or-no answers.
Heating
RodgersHeating content is a way of promoting and moderating content. In your current or previous positions within Chinese companies, have employees engaged in heating content for users outside of China? Very quickly, yes or no?
ChewOur heating process is approved by our local teams----
RodgersSo----
ChewIn the various countries.
RodgersThe answer is yes. Thank you.
[Hearing transcript, March 23, 2023, questioning by Chair Rodgers.]
Two questions about content
RodgersHave any moderation tools been used to remove content on TikTok associated with the Uyghur genocide, yes or no?
ChewWe do not remove that kind of content. TikTok is a place for freedom of expression and, Chair Rodgers, like I said, if you use our app you can go on it and you will see a lot of users around the world----
RodgersThank you.
ChewExpressing content----
RodgersThank you. What about the massacre in Tiananmen Square, yes or no?
ChewI am sorry, I didn't hear the question.
RodgersThe massacre in Tiananmen Square.
ChewThat kind of content is available on our platform. You can go and search it.
RodgersI will remind you that making false or misleading statements to Congress is a Federal crime.
ChewI understand. Again, you can go----
RodgersOK, thank you.
ChewOn our platform. You will find that content.
[Hearing transcript, March 23, 2023, questioning by Chair Rodgers.]