CHARLES E. SCHUMER DEMOCRATIC LEADER
NEW voak

3335 5mm

WASHINGTON. DC 20510
November 7, 2019

The Honorable Ryan McCarthy
Secretary of the Army

10] Army Pentagon
Washington, DC. 20350

Dear Secretary McCarthy:

1 write to express my concern about the use of Chinawowned social media platforms, such as TikTok,
by U.S. Army personnel in both their personal and of?cial capacities.

Recently, the Army unveiled its plans for a new advertising campaign that would harness digital
analytics and social media platforms to target and recruit teenagers that show an interest in skills
relevant to military service. While I recognize that the Army must adapt its recruiting techniques in
order to attract young Americans to serve, I urge you to assess the potential national security risks
posed by China-owned technology companies before choosing to utilize certain platforms.

On October 23, 2019, sent a letter to the Acting Director of National Intelligence requesting that the
Intelligence Community conduct an assessment of the national security risks posed by TikTok and
other China-owned content platforms operating in the United States. National security experts have
raised concerns about TikTok?s collection and handling of user data, including user content and
communications, IP addresses, location-related data, metadata, and other sensitive personal
information, particularly when viewed in light of laws that compel Chinese companies to support and
cooperate with intelligence work controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Further. due to a lack
of transparency and without an independentjudiciary to review requests made by the Chinese
government for user data or other actions, there is no legal mechanism for Chinese companies to
appeal if they disagree with a request.

Consequently, I respectfully ask that you provide answers to the following questions by December 6,
2019:

I. Has the Army consulted with the Intelligence Community and the Department of
Homeland Security with regard to TikTok and other China-owned social media
platforms, and whether they pose security risks as platforms for recruitment? If not, does
the Army have future plans for such consultations?

2. Has the Army conducted an analysis of alternative recruiting platforms prior to its
decision to leverage TikTok?

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Cheat.

Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator