In a landmark decision, the US Congress has passed a bill that could see the popular social media app TikTok banned. The move is a culmination of long-standing bipartisan concerns over national security.
President Joe Biden has signed the bill into law as part of a larger $95 billion aid package aimed at supporting Ukraine, Israel, and other US allies. This legislation follows years of scrutiny by lawmakers from both parties, who have been vocal about the potential threats posed by TikTok, which has amassed over 170 million American users. The app’s addictive scrolling videos and a powerful algorithm have made it a trendsetting hub, particularly among younger demographics.
The passed bill stipulates a deadline of nine months, extendable by an additional three months, for ByteDance to comply by divesting its stakes in TikTok. Failure to do so could result in the government mandating the removal of TikTok from US app stores. The law also demands that ByteDance must relinquish control over the app’s algorithm.
Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok, expressed his disappointment in a post, vowing to challenge the bill in court: “Rest assured, we aren’t going anywhere… We are confident and will keep fighting for your rights in the courts. The facts and Constitution are on our side and we expect to prevail again.”
Critics, including free speech advocates and digital rights groups, argue that targeting TikTok does not address broader concerns with social media. They advocate for comprehensive digital privacy legislation that would protect the personal information of Americans by preventing all social media companies from collecting and selling it to data brokers.
Despite this, the bill has seen significant support in Congress. In endorsing the revised TikTok bill, Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said that extending ByteDance’s divestment period — what she called her “recommendation” — would help ensure there is “enough time for a new buyer to get a deal done.”
The legislation has interesting timing as it ensures TikTok will remain active throughout the upcoming 2024 election campaign, potentially mitigating immediate voter backlash. Notably, former President Donald Trump, who initially called for a TikTok ban during his presidency, has now stated that he opposes the ban, arguing that it would only enhance the power of rival platforms like Facebook.
Relevant articles:
– TikTok: US Congress passes bill that could see app banned, bbc.com, 04/25/2024
– Biden signs a bill that could ban TikTok — after the 2024 election, NBC News, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:46:22 GMT
– TikTok ban measure signed by Biden. Here’s what could happen next., CBS News, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 21:15:59 GMT
– US Congress approves bill banning TikTok unless Chinese owner ByteDance sells platform, Financial Times, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:22:17 GMT
– President Biden Signs Bill Forcing TikTok Owner to Sell App or Face Ban in U.S., Billboard, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 18:33:43 GMT