In the 2024 elections, TikTok becomes a focal point as candidates consider banning the app while others utilize it.

• Weeks before lawmakers proposed a bill for ByteDance to divest from TikTok, President Joe Biden's campaign became active on the app.
• Younger voters can be reached through TikTok, but campaigns face challenges due to the app's ties to China.
• To connect with disengaged young people, they are most active on TikTok, according to Maggie Macdonald, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky.

Maggie Macdonald, a political scientist, was struck by the "meta" nature of Joe Biden's first TikTok post on the eve of the Super Bowl last month.

In the video, Biden joked about a theory that he manipulated the Super Bowl outcome to aid his reelection campaign.

Macdonald, an assistant political science professor at the University of Kentucky, stated that despite his age, he is active on TikTok and is engaged in discussions about online concepts in a super online setting, as seen in Biden's video messaging and tone.

The use of TikTok in Biden's reelection campaign has sparked a debate in Washington about whether the app, owned by China's ByteDance, should be allowed to operate in the US. While Biden's initial use of the app was playful, the app's potential to reach young voters and its alleged ties to Chinese spying have led to heated discussions about its legality.

The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party passed a bill this week that demands ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a U.S. ban, after previous federal and state-led efforts that failed to materialize.

After the committee approved the bill, Rep. Troy Balderson, R-Ohio, characterized TikTok as a tool for spying on Americans and collecting personal data by the Chinese Communist Party.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has denied any ties between the app and the CCP in Senate hearings. In a statement to CNBC on Thursday, TikTok stated that the government's attempt to ban the app will harm millions of Americans' right to free expression, negatively impacting businesses, artists, and creators across the country.

Biden's TikTok campaign account has gained over 222,000 followers and 2.4 million likes since his playful intro post. Despite being eight months away from the general election and facing a likely rematch with Trump, Biden is currently trailing the Republican challenger in most national polls, indicating a tight race to the finish.

To win over undecided young voters and mobilize a traditional Democratic constituency, experts advise that Biden's age should be addressed by reaching out to younger audiences.

"Aaron Earls, CEO of Activate HQ, emphasized the importance of a candidate's direct presence and interaction with voters, rather than relying solely on creators and influencers. He noted that the 2020 turnout was significant among younger voters, and suggested that a similar turnout may occur again in the future."

Biden's campaign posted clips of his State of the Union address on TikTok, indicating that he plans to continue using the app despite concerns in Washington. However, this is a complex issue for Biden because if the bill passes the full House and Senate, it will land on his desk.

On Thursday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the bill is significant and the administration welcomes the move. She emphasized that the administration intends to meet the American people where they are, but this does not mean they will not attempt to safeguard national security.

On Friday, Biden stated that he would sign the legislation if it is passed by Congress.

The Biden campaign didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

TikTok is seeking user support after the House took action on Thursday. Users received a screenshot warning that Congress was considering a complete ban on the app. Numerous staff members and lawmakers informed CNBC that their offices were inundated with calls, primarily from children.

TikTok goes to Washington

TikTok is being considered by U.S. political campaigns as a potential tool for campaigning.

Due to the recent iOS privacy update, Facebook's ability to target users with fundraising ads and informational posts has been limited, resulting in a rise in the cost of ad campaigns across all platforms.

Younger groups are increasingly moving away from Facebook towards TikTok, which does not permit political ads or content such as politicians asking for donations or directing people to donation pages on their websites.

Since the beginning of major campaigns, TikTok influencers with high profiles have been used to rally support for specific issues. In April 2021, the White House announced that it was recruiting a team of volunteer TikTok and Instagram influencers to help spread awareness of the Biden campaign.

Earls argues that TikTok represents a new medium in politics, but the strategy remains the same.

"Earls stated that the tactic of using traditional media for endorsements, like Marilyn Monroe or Joe DiMaggio, has been a common strategy since the Kennedy era."

During the 2022 midterm elections, political groups targeted TikTok and influencers to discuss issues and mobilize voters.

Even with its growing popularity, TikTok remains a niche tool in politics.

A study by Anupam Chander, a Georgetown University Law Center professor, and his colleagues revealed that less than 10% of U.S. Congress members have a TikTok account, with 34 House members and seven senators having an official account. The app's connection to China is likely the reason for this low number.

A study found that a majority of major politicians using TikTok are Democrats, while some Republicans may resist due to Trump's failed attempt to ban the app during his presidency.

Reaching 'young Americans where they are'

Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate and high-profile Republican, stated during a primary debate that "winning elections involves reaching the next generation of young Americans where they are."

Earls predicted that Trump may use TikTok in his campaign, but he believes the decision is more about Trump's connection to his own social media platform, Truth Social, where he frequently posts.

"Earls stated that he has observed the individual attempting to win an election by any means necessary, including preventing a peaceful transfer of power. As a result, he believes that the campaign will eventually join TikTok in an effort to monetize Truth Social."

The Trump campaign didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Gen-Z for Change's communications director Anish Mohanty stated that his nonprofit advocacy group, originally known as TikTok for Biden, was formed in 2020 with the goal of defeating Donald Trump. The group later changed its name and now utilizes its network of hundreds of TikTok social media influencers to advocate for various progressive issues, including climate change, universal healthcare, and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

According to Mohanty, while Biden's presence on TikTok may help him connect with younger voters, it won't be enough if his campaign only uses the platform to post memes about Trump.

""Young people are unhappy with Biden's action on climate change and the situation in Gaza, despite his TikTok presence," Mohanty stated."

Still, Macdonald sees a big opportunity for Biden.

"The University of Kentucky professor stated that to reach young, apathetic individuals, TikTok is the best platform. There is a motivation to connect with them on TikTok, but unfortunately, the Republican Party as a whole is not utilizing this platform effectively."

WATCH: Denying a platform isn't denying free speech.