U.S. House passes bill to force sale or ban of TikTok over national security concerns

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill targeting TikTok’s Chinese ownership, signalling a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing over technological sovereignty.

The legislation, which garnered widespread bipartisan support, mandates ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest its interests in the app or face a ban in the United States. This development underscores the growing concerns over national security, free speech, and the influence of social media platforms.

The bill, fast-tracked by Republican leaders, sailed through the House with a vote of 352 to 65. This robust backing indicates a strong bipartisan consensus on taking a firm stance against China’s technological influence, especially in an election year.

Despite TikTok’s concerted efforts to mobilize its 170 million American users against the bill, and amidst the Biden administration’s warnings about the security risks posed by Chinese ownership of the platform, lawmakers from both parties united behind the legislation.

President Biden has expressed his intention to sign the bill, further solidifying the bipartisan resolve.

However, the bill’s path forward is not without obstacles. It now faces a challenging journey through the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has yet to commit to a vote, and some senators have pledged to oppose it. Legal challenges are also anticipated if the bill becomes law, marking the first instance of such a direct legislative action against TikTok being approved by a chamber of Congress.

Central to the concerns driving the bill is the apprehension that Beijing’s ties with ByteDance could compromise national security.

The legislation seeks to compel the sale of TikTok to non-Chinese owners within six months to alleviate these fears. If such a sale does not materialize, the app faces a ban. Critics of TikTok, including Representative Mike Gallagher, emphasize the need to sever the platform’s connections with the Chinese Communist Party as a matter of national security.

In response to the House’s decision, TikTok condemned the process as secretive and rushed, warning of significant economic impacts and urging the Senate to reconsider based on a thorough evaluation of facts.

Meanwhile, Beijing has criticized the U.S. actions as hegemonic, highlighting the broader geopolitical battle over technological dominance that includes sectors like solar panels, electric vehicles, and semiconductors.

The Biden administration has already taken steps to limit U.S. investments in Chinese companies and protect Americans’ sensitive data from potential exploitation. On the other hand, TikTok insists on its efforts to safeguard U.S. user data and denies any undue influence by any government on its operations.

Despite these assurances, the debate over TikTok’s influence and the security of U.S. data continues to intensify, reflecting broader concerns about misinformation and the power of social media platforms in shaping public discourse.

As the bill makes its way through the legislative process, it not only represents a critical moment in the U.S.-China tech war but also tests the boundaries of free speech and the role of technology in society.

TikTok CEO: “We will not stop fighting and advocating for you” 

In a video response to the US House of Representatives’ vote on a bill that could potentially ban TikTok unless its Chinese owner divests it, TikTok CEO Shou Chew expressed disappointment and aimed to correct what he perceives as misinformation surrounding the debate.

He began by thanking the TikTok community for their support and activism, emphasizing the platform’s significance and the company’s efforts to safeguard user data and maintain a platform free from external interference.

Chew highlighted the severe consequences of the proposed legislation, warning that it could lead to TikTok’s ban in the United States, which he believes is the bill sponsors’ intent.

He criticized the bill for potentially consolidating power among a few other social media companies, jeopardizing over 300,000 American jobs, removing a crucial income source for creators and small businesses, and depriving TikTok’s 170 million US users and 7 million US businesses of a vital platform for expression and growth.

He underscored the importance of TikTok to various stakeholders, including small business owners who depend on the platform for their livelihood, educators who use it as a teaching tool, and the general community that finds joy and inspiration on TikTok.

Chew vowed to continue fighting for the platform, to advocate for its community, and to utilize all available legal avenues to protect TikTok. He encouraged users to persist in sharing their stories and to make their voices heard, particularly to senators, as a way to protect their constitutional rights and support TikTok.

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Response to TikTok Ban Bill

♬ original sound – TikTok – TikTok