TikTok, which has ties to the Chinese government, is the subject of bipartisan legislation that might lead to a ban on the site in the United States, and SKDK has agreed to give "communications support" in this regard. Having SKDK on your side would be a huge help. SKDK partner and senior adviser to Biden, Anita Dunn.
Her position allows her to influence the White House's response to the discovery of secret documents in Biden's office. They have been referred to as "the pair at the center of Biden's inner circle" because of their prominent position in the senator's inner circle.
Kate Berner, the deputy White House communications director, is just one of several former SKDK employees now serving in the administration. A former communications director for Senator Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.), Justin Goodman, was recently recruited by the crisis communications team at SKDK, which has been labeled the "go-to communications firm" for Schumer's former staffers and colleagues.
Intelligence authorities in the United States have expressed concern that Beijing may use TikTok to spy on citizens of the United States and spread pro-Chinese propaganda among the app's users. Government agencies have been asked by the Biden administration to stop using TikTok on government-issued smartphones.
A group of senators from both parties have urged an outright ban of the app in the United States, which would be terrible for TikTok, which has over 100 million users in the country alone.
Last month, Schumer suggested that a nationwide ban of TikTok "should be looked at," but he has yet to commit to a position on the issue. The New York Democrat's refusal to hold votes to regulate other Big Tech companies has drawn criticism in the past. Opponents of Schumer have pointed out that two of his daughters work as lobbyists for tech giants Amazon and Facebook.
SKDK employs a number of Schumer alums. Mike Morey, formerly the director of communications, is now a partner in SKDK's New York City office. In his new role at SKDK, former Schumer staffer Justin Goodman will focus on the company's "business, crisis communications, and public affairs clients." "get good media coverage in major print and cable news outlets," SKDK boasts of Goodman.
TikTok has launched a full-court campaign in Washington and Europe to prevent the app from being regulated, despite the fact that it allows Beijing access to its user data. The corporation recently had discussions with Washington, DC-based think tanks and technology trade groups to advocate for a plan that would allow the company to keep operating while also erecting a firewall between the company and China.
TikTok's lobbyists have also descended on Capitol Hill to make their case to lawmakers. The business is launching "Project Clover," which is essentially the same effort but across Europe.
