TikTok Panic Masks Murdoch’s Grip on America’s Mind

Dr. Lauren Tucker
4 min readJan 14, 2025

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Let’s get one thing straight: the scrutiny over TikTok is well-placed but woefully incomplete. Yes, we should be concerned about a platform that can track us better than Santa Claus and probably knows what we’ll eat for lunch next Tuesday. But while lawmakers and pundits wring their hands over the ByteDance boogeyman, they’re ignoring the long shadow of foreign influence cast by none other than Rupert Murdoch and his media empire. TikTok may have algorithms; Murdoch has newsrooms, TV stations, and a staggering influence on the American mind. Let’s talk about that.

Data Privacy: A Trojan Horse?

The debate over TikTok centers on data privacy and security, and rightly so. No one wants their personal information to end up in the hands of a foreign government. But let’s not conflate two issues: data privacy and media influence. Europe has already figured this out with its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which holds all companies accountable for handling user data. The U.S., however, has decided to take a more ad hoc approach — a little outrage here, a potential ban there — while ignoring the broader issue of protecting consumers from any company mishandling data. If we’re serious about privacy, let’s demand comprehensive legislation, not TikTok scapegoating.

But here’s the rub: TikTok’s influence is child’s play compared to how Rupert Murdoch’s empire has shaped American politics and public opinion for decades. While TikTok might nudge you toward buying another set of LED lights, Fox News and its brethren have the power to sway elections, fuel culture wars, and amplify disinformation. That’s not data privacy; that’s democracy on the line.

The Murdoch Effect

Rupert Murdoch’s media empire includes Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post, among others. These outlets are ostensibly American but answer to a foreign-born billionaire whose political leanings are no secret. Murdoch’s sway over U.S. politics is arguably unparalleled, and it’s not just about conservative ideology but the sheer volume and reach of his messaging machine. From crafting narratives around immigration to perpetuating falsehoods about election integrity, Murdoch’s influence makes TikTok’s trending dances look like a high school talent show.

Critics argue that foreign media ownership threatens journalistic independence, and they’re right. In Murdoch’s case, the concern isn’t just theoretical. Fox News’s alignment with MAGA politics has turned it into a de facto propaganda arm, shaping narratives that align with Murdoch’s interests. This isn’t just bias; it’s a calculated manipulation of public opinion, and it’s been wildly effective.

The False Equivalence

It’s worth noting that not all foreign-owned media is created equal. Al Jazeera, for instance, has faced scrutiny for its ties to the Qatari government, but its coverage is often praised for its depth and quality. Murdoch’s outlets, by contrast, have mastered the art of sensationalism and fearmongering. They don’t just report the news; they create it, often at the expense of truth and nuance. The result? A polarized electorate and a media landscape where outrage trumps accuracy.

Meanwhile, TikTok’s biggest crime — so far — is addicting us to bite-sized videos of dogs in costumes. True, there’s a risk of propaganda and data misuse, but these issues require a broader, more nuanced approach. Singling out TikTok while letting Murdoch’s empire off the hook is like worrying about a sprained ankle while ignoring a heart attack.

The Path Forward

We must cast a wider net if we’re genuinely concerned about foreign influence in American media. That means looking at all foreign-owned entities, not just the ones that scare us because they’re based in China. It also means revisiting regulations that allow individuals like Murdoch to control such a large share of the media landscape. Ownership caps, stricter transparency requirements, and stronger antitrust laws could go a long way toward leveling the playing field.

And let’s not forget about data privacy. Instead of framing this as a TikTok-specific issue, why not adopt a GDPR-style framework that holds all companies accountable? American consumers deserve better protections, regardless of whether TikTok, Facebook, or Fox News are collecting their data. Let’s make this about principles, not politics.

Closing the Loopholes

The Murdoch case highlights a glaring double standard. While lawmakers demand bans and divestitures because of TikTok’s Chinese ownership, Murdoch’s foreign-born status barely registers. Yet his influence on American democracy is arguably far more significant. It’s time to stop pretending that TikTok is the singular threat to our nation’s integrity. The real danger lies in the unchecked power of media moguls like Murdoch, whose interests often run counter to those of the American public.

Ultimately, the TikTok debate is a distraction — a shiny object that keeps us from addressing the larger, systemic issues facing our media and privacy landscapes. If we’re serious about protecting American democracy, we must do more than dance around the problem. It’s time to focus on the puppeteers, not just the platforms. And if that means putting Rupert Murdoch under the same microscope as TikTok, so be it. After all, fair is fair.

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Dr. Lauren Tucker
Dr. Lauren Tucker

Written by Dr. Lauren Tucker

A subversive writer looking to save humans from themselves, an exile, not an expat, and a founder of Do What Matters and Indivisible Chicago.

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