Joe Biden on TikTok: ‘lol’ or national security worry?

Joe Biden’s debut on TikTok has caused a stir – not least because the Chinese-owned social media platform is still officially considered a security risk by Washington.

Joe Biden's ‘Dark Brandon’ meme on TikTok

Joe Biden’s debut on TikTok has caused a stir – not least because the Chinese-owned social media platform is still officially considered a security risk by Washington.

The video posted during the Super Bowl on Sunday was part of an effort by the US President’s election campaign to reach younger voters, and included a reference to the quirky meme of a laser-eyed Biden alter-ego.

But Republicans have criticised Mr Biden, 81, for using an app that is banned on US federal government devices over fears it harvests data for Beijing.

Even the White House admitted it still had concerns about TikTok. “There are still national security concerns about the use of Tiktok on government devices and there’s been no change to that policy,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

The White House said election rules barred it from formally commenting on campaign matters, but more broadly it was aware of fears that platforms such asTikTok could spread disinformation.

“It’s a concern that we have,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

TikTok is owned by Chinese firm ByteDance and has been accused by a wide swath of US politicians of being a propaganda tool used by Beijing, something the company furiously denies.

The concerns “didn’t stop the Biden campaign from joining the CCP’s dangerous propaganda app”, Republican senator Joni Ernst said on X, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

Nevertheless, Mr Biden’s campaign has clearly decided that engaging on TikTok is worth it to win over younger voters ahead of a likely November clash with Republican former president – and social media juggernaut – Donald Trump.

They are also counting on such social media posts to allay voter concerns over Mr Biden’s age, which have mounted since a special counsel report last week described him as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory”.

oe Biden's debut on TikTok

Titled “lol hey guys”, Sunday’s video posted on the @bidenhq campaign account touches lightheartedly on topics ranging from politics to the NFL championship game.

“I’d get in trouble if I told you,” Mr Biden jokes when asked about a right-wing conspiracy theory that the game had been rigged so pop star Taylor Swift – who is dating Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce – could use her fame to endorse Mr Biden.

The video then flashes up the “Dark Brandon” meme, an image of Biden with glowing red eyes and a big grin that Democrats use to imply super-powers.

“The President’s TikTok debut last night – with more than five million views and counting – is proof positive of both our commitment and success in finding new, innovative ways to reach voters,” Biden campaign deputy manager Rob Flaherty said.

AFP