The controversial bill aimed at banning TikTok in the United States is gaining momentum, with a Senate vote potentially happening as early as next week. The legislation, which passed the House of Representatives last month, would force TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban in US app stores.
The revised bill, which includes a 12-month divestment period for ByteDance, has won over some skeptical senators, including Sen. Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. The House is set to vote on the package, which also includes aid to Ukraine and Israel, this weekend, paving the way for a Senate vote soon after.
If passed, the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” would not only impact TikTok but also other apps deemed a national security threat due to their ties to foreign adversaries.
If passed, the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” would not only impact TikTok but also other apps deemed a national security threat due to their ties to foreign adversaries. TikTok CEO Shou Chew has hinted at a potential legal challenge to the law, citing concerns over free speech rights and the significant economic impact of a ban.
TikTok has released a statement expressing disappointment in the House’s decision to push through the bill, which it believes would “trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy annually.”
The move comes amid growing tensions between the US and China, with Apple recently removing WhatsApp and Threads from the Chinese App Store due to national security concerns. The tit-for-tat actions have sparked concerns over the escalating tech cold war between the two nations.
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House Introduce Bill That Could Ban TikTok In The US
As the Senate vote approaches, the fate of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance. Will the popular app be forced to sell or face a ban, or will lawmakers reconsider the implications of such a move? Only time will tell.
