U.S. House Passes Bill Requiring ByteDance to Sell TikTok or Face Ban
Expanded Window for Sale and Presidential Extension
In a decisive move, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation mandating ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to divest the widely-used social media platform or confront a nationwide prohibition. The bill, which garnered bipartisan support, extends the timeframe for ByteDance to sell TikTok to nine months, with the president having the authority to grant an additional 90-day extension.
“[The extension] assures that divestiture will more likely happen.”
Senate Commerce chair Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) endorsed the revised bill, asserting that the extended timeline increases the likelihood of a successful divestiture.
Part of a Larger Package and Potential Senate Approval
The TikTok bill, included in a comprehensive package alongside foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, passed with an overwhelming majority of 360-58. The strategic inclusion of the bill in this package aimed to secure broader conservative backing. With President Joe Biden’s expressed support and intention to sign the bill, the Senate is expected to consider the package in the coming week.
National Security Concerns and Anticipated Legal Challenge
The Biden administration has been informing lawmakers about the perceived national security risks associated with TikTok, citing concerns over data collection on American users by the Chinese government and the potential for disseminating propaganda. House Foreign Affairs Committee chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) likened the app to a “spy balloon in Americans’ phones” used to “surveil and exploit America’s personal information.”
In response to the impending legislation, TikTok released a statement arguing that the House’s actions would “trample the house-passes-bill-to-potentially-ban-tiktok-what-you-need-to-know/” title=”US House Passes Bill to Potentially Ban TikTok: What You Need to Know”>free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform.” The company is expected to challenge the bill in court if it becomes law.
Opposition from Civil Liberties Groups
Civil liberties organizations, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union, have voiced their opposition to previous attempts to ban TikTok, citing concerns over free speech and the potential impact on millions of users and businesses.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, the fate of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance, with far-reaching implications for the tech industry, national security, and the rights of American users.
5 Comments
So TikTok might be doing its final viral dance if this bill moonwalks through the Senate, huh?
Guess it’s time to dust off those old Vine compilations, TikTok’s era might be ticking out!
Well, it looks like TikTok’s dance might be over if they don’t find a new partner, huh?
TikTok’s security dance just got a whole lot trickier with Congress stepping in!
Say goodbye to your favorite dance challenges, TikTok’s on thin ice now!