TikTok CEO Testifies Before Congress: Here Are Some of the Key Moments

TikTok CEO Shou Chew on Thursday faced skeptical lawmakers in the US Congress to try to fend off calls to ban the hugely popular video app. 

"There are more than 150 million Americans who love our platform, and we know we have a responsibility to protect them," Chew said in remarks prepared for his appearance before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. 

Earlier this month, the Biden administration demanded that ByteDance, the app's Chinese parent company, sell its stake in the app or face a possible ban. Officials are concerned TikTok could be forced to share US user data with the Chinese government, posing a national security threat. In December, US lawmakers banned the app from government devices. Other countries, including Canada , EU member states and Taiwan, have taken similar steps. 

Lawmakers on Thursday repeatedly questioned Chew about ByteDance's ties to the Chinese government, expressing doubt TikTok would be able to protect US users' data. They also alleged that TikTok could be used by the Chinese government to influence public opinion in the US. 

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