Episode 35

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Published on:

14th Jan 2025

Ep35: So TikTok might manipulate Americans?

The Double Standards of Social Media Manipulation: Facebook vs. TikTok

This episode delves into the contrasting treatment of Facebook and TikTok concerning data manipulation and national security. It highlights the documented case of Facebook's data misuse with Cambridge Analytica, affecting 87 million Americans, and questions why similar scrutiny isn't applied to domestic companies. The script challenges the narrative around TikTok's possible threats, urging viewers to consider the double standards in regulatory actions against social media manipulation.

00:00 Introduction: The Manipulation Debate

00:02 The Facebook-Cambridge Analytica Scandal

00:43 The Double Standards in Social Media Manipulation

01:02 Questioning the Real Threat

01:30 Conclusion: Addressing Double Standards

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Transcript
Speaker:

So TikTok might manipulate Americans.

2

:

Let me tell you a story about Facebook.

3

:

Everyone's worried about

what tick tock might do.

4

:

But let's talk about what

Facebook actually did.

5

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87 million Americans.

6

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That's how many people had

their data harvested through

7

:

Facebook for Cambridge Analytica?

8

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Not might have.

9

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Did have.

10

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They didn't just collect your data.

11

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They use it to build psychological

profiles, to figure out exactly

12

:

how to manipulate you during

a presidential election.

13

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And we know this happened.

14

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It's not a theory.

15

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It's not a, maybe it's

documented, proven in court.

16

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Facebook new paid their

fines changed nothing.

17

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But here's where it gets interesting.

18

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Senator Kelly says TikTok is a

national security risk because it

19

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could manipulate the population.

20

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So, let me get this straight.

21

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When Facebook actually manipulates

Americans, find them and move on when

22

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TikTok might manipulate Americans.

23

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National security threat must be banned.

24

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The real question isn't whether

social media can manipulate us.

25

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We already know it can, we've seen it

happen right here with American companies.

26

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So when they talk about

protecting us from manipulation,

27

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ask them where this energy was

during the Cambridge Analytica.

28

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Ask them, why Facebook still exists?

29

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If manipulation is a

national security threat.

30

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Ask them, why the rules are

different when it's an American

31

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company doing the manipulating.

32

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Maybe this threat.

33

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Isn't where the manipulation comes from.

34

:

But who gets to decide which

manipulation is allowed.

35

:

Share this, if you're tired of

convenient, double standards.

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Byte Sized Security
Snackable advice on cyber security best practices tailored for professionals on the go
In a world where cyberattacks are becoming more commonplace, we all need to be vigilant about protecting our digital lives, whether at home or at work. Byte Sized Security is the podcast that provides snackable advice on cybersecurity best practices tailored for professionals on the go.

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Marc David

Marc David is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the host of the cybersecurity podcast, Byte-Sized Security. He has over 15 years of experience in the information security field, specializing in network security, cloud security, and security awareness training. Marc is an engaging speaker and teacher with a passion for demystifying complex security topics. He got his start in security as a software developer for encrypted messaging platforms. Over his career, Marc has held security leadership roles at tech companies like Radius Networks and Vanco Payment Solutions. He now runs his own cybersecurity consulting and training firm helping businesses and individuals implement practical security controls. When he’s not hosting his popular security podcast, you can find Marc speaking at industry conferences or volunteering to teach kids cyber safety. Marc lives with his family outside of Boston where he also enjoys running, reading, and hiking.