ICYMI: Nickel hit with ethics complaint over TikTok
In case you missed it, Wiley Nickel was just hit with an ethics complaint for his misuse of his TikTok account. This comes as North Carolina representatives, such as Jeff Jackson, continue to use the Chinese-owned app despite national security concerns.
In case you missed it…
Watchdog Group Files Complaint Against Rep. Wiley Nickel For Allegedly Abusing Official Resources
April 5, 2023
The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) is filing a complaint about Democratic North Carolina Rep. Wiley Nickel’s TikTok usage with the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE).
FACT’s complaint demands OCE investigate whether Nickel is violating House rules and abusing official resources by using his TikTok account for official and political purposes.
“In the present case, Rep. Nickel’s use of his TikTok account itself and the content posted are both an abuse of government resources,” the complaint alleges.
Nickel has used his TikTok to post official content and political content advertising his campaign.
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“These violations reveal a complete disregard for the clear and longstanding prohibition of using official resources for political purposes. Complying with the law and House Ethics rules is a fundamental obligation for elected officials. The OCE must move swiftly to investigate and enforce these bright-line standards and apply the requisite penalty,” said Kendra Arnold, Executive Director of FACT.
TikTok is owned by China-based tech firm ByteDance and received bipartisan scrutiny during a Mar. 23 Congressional hearing. The platform’s alleged surveillance of American citizens is under investigation by the FBI and Congress banned it from government devices because of national security concerns.
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Read more here.