Linas Jegelevičus
After the United States and the European Commission have prohibited its officials from using TikTok on official devices due to data protection concerns, Lithuania also hastened to warn against using the Chinese-made video-sharing app. With the West getting tougher on TikTok, will a new Lithuanian Parliament, Seimas, swing not only at TikTok but also Telegram and, possibly, at other social media platforms in question?
BNN asked both current and to-be Lithuanian lawmakers to say if such bans would be proper.
BNN also queried them, if following the example of some US states, like Yuta and Arkansas, Lithuanian minors’ access to Facebook and Instagram ought to be also limited and require parental consent.
Arvydas Anušauskas, former Defence minister, MP of the ruling Homeland Union (TS-LKD), told BNN that he is in favour of banning TikTok user data collection, not the app itself.
“Such ban would perhaps fail. It could be circumvented through use of other apps helping shun any restrictions,” he said.
Agreeing, Sigitas Besagirskas, businessman and candidate to 2024-2028 Seimas, the Lithuanian legislature, told BNN that, recently, his 12-year-old son made him grin, confessing that it will be a cinch for him to go back to his favourite social media platforms if they ever get off his limit due to the ban.
“He says all his class uses VPN (a service that encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online identity) to access banned content,” S. Besagirskas acknowledged, adding:
“Freedom of speech is our core value, something a democratic state starts with.
I am really against any bans…Unfortunately, the brackets of freedom of speech are narrowing, we are seeing many attempts – both in the West and Lithuania, too – to restrict it for various causes,” S. Besagirskas emphasised to BNN.
He adds though that, being mindful of his teenage son’s wellbeing, he would support limitation on minors’ use of Facebook, Instagram and some other popular social media outlets.
Mindaugas Skritulskas, MP of the ruling TS-LKD and candidate to a new -term Seimas to be elected later this month, told BNN he has heard that people’s personal data and information can be collected with the help of TikTok and Telegram apps.
“If this is the case, it may pose a threat to the safety of not only those individuals, but society, too. Therefore, certain constraints could be considered, but with regards to the total ban, I cannot be sure 100 percent today because I have too little information on the matter. And regarding limiting the time minors spend on social media, I would be inclined to support the measure, so that parents could control their minor children’s content on Facebook and Instagram,” M. Skritulskas said.
Did he notice a deterioration of the Lithuanian language due to the rife use of English?
“Perhaps bans addressing the situation, which does not seem dangerous to me, would be inefficient, we need to foster our mother tongue,” the lawmaker is convinced.
Dainius Kepenis, MP of the opposition Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS), says he is against any ban when it comes to information dissemination.
“We’ve fought so hard for our freedoms and that of free speech, but, alas, we are seeing increasing attempts to harness or limit them,” D. Kepenis told BNN.
The legislator, however, is inclined to stave off the deleterious impact of social media on minors by providing them more opportunities to engage in various activities, in sports, too.
“Unfortunately, English has already done a lot of damage to Lithuanian. I am worried about that. I think we are approaching a critical point. We do need to foster our own language, culture and our roots. Much more than now,” D. Kepenis emphasised.
Karolis Neimantas, candidate to 2024-2028 Seimas from the “Nemunas Dawn” party, reasoned to BNN that he does not have a strong opinion about TikTok, but Telegram and Signal apps are among his initiatives to block them.
“I have spoken publicly about this in the Delfi TV debate while campaigning. I would support restrictions on the other social networking apps for persons under 14 years of age,” K. Neimantas said.
As for the Lithuanian language, globality is one of the biggest factors in today’s western world, he says.
“I am happier that, nowadays, people and young people learn English and other languages much earlier. The greater the knowledge of languages, the greater the prospects in life. I do not notice the deterioration of the Lithuanian language, unless it is shown by school results, then it is a problem in the education system,” the candidate emphasised.
Jonas Viskontas of Lithuania’s Green Party and its candidate to 2024-2028 Seimas, admitted to BNN he has not made up his mind about banning Tik Tok and Telegram apps.
“I think that before making a decision, the issue should be discussed together with cyber and data security specialists.
People’s right to correspondence is guaranteed by the Constitution, so it should not be restricted. On the other hand, data protection is also a value that is particularly important in today’s world. We cannot allow our residents’ data to be leaked and used to manipulate their choices,” he said.
Antanas Aleknavičius, Head of the Cybersecurity and Information Technology Policy Group at the Ministry of National Defence, has warned that TikTok could pose risks by potentially allowing Chinese intelligence access to user data. Therefore, the ministry recommends not installing it, or, if already installed, removing it.
When it comes to the idea of restricting the use of Facebook and Instagram apps for minors, J. Viskontas believes that such a measure would not be very effective.
“I believe students would find ways around the limitation quickly. In addition, many other social networks and video platforms are available, which can also develop similar content addiction,” he emphasised.
As for the situation of mother tongue, yes, spoken Lithuanian is changing, J. Viskontas agrees.
“But I think that we will not stop it by legislative regulation… Language responds to a changing environment. What we can do is to ensure that the means of mass information and the mass media use the correct Lithuanian language. Also continue investing in cultural accessibility,” the candidate to the Lithuania Parliament underscored.
Ana Staševičienė, Freedom Party’s candidate to Seimas, opined to BNN that technology bans need to be considered carefully.
“It is important to assess the real threat to safety and well-being. If certain responsible authorities determine that harm has been done, regulatory mechanisms should be considered. However, decisions must not violate people’s rights and freedoms,” she said.
However, being very liberal, she concurs that a reasonable time limit for teenagers on Facebook and Instagram could be useful.
“Pupils would better balance their time between social networks and other activities. However, it is important that restrictions are implemented alongside education about responsible internet use. Individual needs should also be considered, and it should be ensured that restrictions do not violate students’ right to information and freedom of expression,” A. Staševičienė said.
Agreeing that English is increasingly becoming part of the Lithuanian language of young people due to the English-speaking entertainment industry, globalization and technology, she says that, in quest to promote Lithuanian, schools need to develop pride in the native language, integrate the Lithuanian language into new technologies, organize cultural events and create campaigns emphasizing the importance and beauty of the language.
Audronė Balnionienė from the Liberal Party says that banning platforms like TikTok or Telegram would not be “a wise decision”.
“Especially in this era, it is necessary to create educational programs and increase the awareness of the population about the safe use of social networks. It is necessary to publicly disseminate information about the models of possible cyberattacks, their control, and methods of propaganda,” the candidate to Seimas said.