U.S. Senate Passes Bill Targeting TikTok Sale, Biden’s Signature Next
Key Highlights
The fate of TikTok in the United States is now teetering on the edge as it awaits President Joe Biden’s signature on new legislation that could force the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform or face a ban. This development has sparked a heated debate and is likely to lead to significant legal battles and disruptions for content creators who depend on the app.
Recently, the U.S. Senate passed a $95 billion aid package, which interestingly included a provision targeting TikTok. This legislation, which also aims to assist Ukraine and Israel, was approved with a majority of 79-18 votes and is now with President Biden for his endorsement.
The revised bill proposes that ByteDance should have up to nine months, with a possible three-month extension, to divest its interests in TikTok. This move is a part of a broader strategy to address bipartisan concerns over potential Chinese espionage and misuse of American user data.
Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell emphasized, “This legislation isn’t targeted at punishing TikTok or ByteDance specifically but aims to protect U.S. national security from foreign threats.”
Despite assurances that TikTok users will not immediately lose access to the app or face penalties for using it post-ban, the future remains uncertain. The app may disappear from app stores, preventing downloads and updates, which would gradually degrade the app’s functionality.
Tech-savvy users might seek ways to circumvent the ban using VPNs or alternative app stores. Meanwhile, platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube’s short video features stand to gain if TikTok’s availability is hampered.
As TikTok prepares to challenge this legislation in court, Michael Beckerman, TikTok’s head of public policy, stated, “This is the beginning, not the end of this long process.” The outcome of this legal challenge could set a precedent for how foreign-owned apps operate in the U.S.
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