TikTok Faces Forced Sale or U.S. Ban: New Senate Bill Awaits Biden's Approval
Image Credit: Solen Feyissa | Unsplash
For TikTok enthusiasts in the United States, recent developments could significantly impact TikTok users. The Senate has passed a bill that could force a sale of the popular social media platform or even lead to an outright ban if specific conditions aren't met. The bill, which now awaits President Biden's approval, comes amidst mounting national security concerns regarding TikTok's ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese company.
TikTok Ban Bill Tied to Foreign Aid Package
The Senate's decision came as part of a broader foreign aid package, which includes critical assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bill passed the Senate with a strong 79-18 majority after the House had already approved it over the previous weekend. The bill stipulates that ByteDance must sell TikTok within nine months, with an additional 90-day extension if necessary, or face a ban in the United States.
In contrast, a standalone bill aimed at forcing a sale or banning TikTok was previously passed by the House in March. However, it never gained traction in the Senate. This time, the inclusion of TikTok's fate alongside urgent foreign aid measures meant that legislators were pressed to make a definitive decision.
The White House's Response and Next Steps
The bill now heads to President Biden's desk for approval, with the White House confirming that Biden intends to sign it. If signed into law, this legislation will effectively give ByteDance one year to divest its ownership of TikTok. Given China's opposition to any forced sale of TikTok, the future of the platform appears highly uncertain.
The concern centers around the potential risk to U.S. user data due to ByteDance's ties to China, despite TikTok's repeated assurances that it does not share data with Chinese authorities. Nevertheless, the U.S. government remains wary, driving the latest legislative action.
TikTok's Legal Battle Looms
TikTok has already signaled its intention to challenge the bill in court if it becomes law, arguing that it violates the First Amendment rights of its users and constitutes an overreach of government authority. The company plans to assert that the forced sale or ban of the platform restricts users' ability to freely express themselves, infringing on their freedom of speech as protected under the U.S. Constitution. The company is preparing to argue that the legislation infringes upon the rights of its users and limits free speech. TikTok, headquartered in Singapore, is owned by ByteDance and has faced intense scrutiny over its ownership structure and data handling practices.
The company has criticized the decision, calling it "unfortunate" that Congress is using important foreign and humanitarian assistance as leverage to push through what they perceive as an unjust action against the app. Civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), have also voiced their disapproval of the potential ban, citing concerns over user freedoms and rights.
Economic Impact and Concerns for Content Creators
TikTok is not just a platform for viral videos and entertainment. It is also a significant economic engine for small and medium-sized businesses across the United States. Earlier this month, TikTok released a report highlighting its US$14.7 billion contribution to these businesses in 2024 alone. According to TikTok, more than 7 million U.S.-based businesses rely on the platform for growth, making the potential ban a threat to many livelihoods.
Moreover, content creators have raised alarms regarding the effects of a potential ban on their income. The platform has offered a unique space for creators to build audiences, share their content, and generate revenue streams. With millions of U.S. users relying on TikTok, both for entertainment and business purposes, any significant restriction could have widespread consequences.
A Divided Political Arena
The political landscape surrounding TikTok is far from simple. Despite his administration's security concerns regarding TikTok, President Biden joined the platform earlier this year, likely to connect with younger voters while balancing the need to address national security issues. This move highlights the complexity of maintaining both public engagement and security measures. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, who previously sought to impose sanctions on TikTok, has voiced opposition to the ban, emphasizing the need for more nuanced solutions.
The future of TikTok in the United States now hangs on President Biden's pen and a potential legal battle in the courts. With a growing base of users, creators, and businesses relying on the app, the outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications across the board.
Source: Tech Crunch
