M.P.s grilled TikTok’s CEO, Shou Chew,  who they believe should be banned for being a “tool” of the Chinese Communist Party and containing stuff that harms children’s mental health.

CEO Shou Zi Chew’s congressional hearing followed a week of Chinese firm efforts to convince Americans and politicians that the app produces economic value and encourages free expression. Instead, Congress accused the business of eavesdropping and fraud, adding to efforts to ban the app.

The ongoing session slammed TikTok, which has over 150 million U.S. users. No politician supported it. Several, who were parents, said the app’s power over U.S. youngsters ought to be limited.

At the start of his hearing, Democratic Congressman Tony Cardenas dubbed Chew a “good dancer with words” for his evasive responses on China and children’s content.

“TikTok could be constructed to reduce the harm to kids, but a decision was taken to aggressively addict kids in the interest of profits,” said Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor during the House Energy and Commerce committee hearing.

Chew answered your pointed questions by calling the issues “complex.” However, he did not reveal any new initiatives to defend privacy, relying on explanations of continuing efforts that have failed to appease opponents.

Republicans and Democrats also highlighted worries about its data cooperation with China threatening U.S. national security.

TikTok has spent over $1.5 billion on “Project Texas,” a data security endeavor with almost 1,500 full-time personnel and a contract with Oracle Corp. (ORCL.N) to store U.S. user data. It also filters child-harming material.

Democrat Diana DeGette claimed TikTok’s disinformation prevention measures were failing.

Chew said the business invested in content moderation and A.I. to reduce such stuff.

DeGette said TikTok’s actions weren’t adequate.

“You offered me just vague remarks that you’re investing, that you’re worried, that you’re doing work. Nope. American parents want more “DeGette remarked.

Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc (META.O) climbed 3.4% and Snap Inc (SNAP.N) 4.2% on Thursday.

Dan Ives of Wedbush tweeted, “TikTok CEO testimony has been a “little disaster” for this crucial moment. TikTok is the face of US-China relations, and legislators have many questions with few answers.”