The US Senate has approved a bill that might lead to TikTok being banned in the country. Concerns stem from worries about the Chinese company behind it, fearing it could pose security risks. If ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, doesn’t sell the app, it could face a ban. Once the bill becomes law, ByteDance has 270 days to sell TikTok in the US.
Lawmakers fear China might access American data or use the app for surveillance.
The bill also passed in the US House of Representatives on Saturday.
US Senate Passes Bill to Ban Tiktok
The US Senate recently voted on a bill aiming to potentially ban TikTok due to concerns over its Chinese ownership posing security risks. If ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, doesn’t sell the app within 270 days, it could face a ban. Lawmakers fear China could access American data or use the app for surveillance.
The US House of Representatives has already approved the bill, and President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into law soon.
US President Joe Biden plans to officially make a new law on Wednesday, as reported by Reuters.
Senator Marco Rubio, a leading Republican on the Intelligence Committee, praised the decision, stating that allowing the Chinese Communist Party to control a popular American app for years was a mistake. The new law will compel the Chinese owner to sell the app, which Rubio sees as beneficial for the United States.
In response to inquiries about the Senate’s action, the Chinese foreign ministry referred to their previous statements from March when a similar bill was passed by the House of Representatives. The ministry had criticized the legislation then, arguing that despite the lack of evidence showing TikTok as a threat to US national security, the US continued to target the app, as per Reuters’ report.
Also Read: Why is the US Government Considering Banning TikTok?
TikTok Challenge Its Ban Decision
TikTok, a popular short-video platform with 170 million users in the US, is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese internet company.
The ongoing dispute over TikTok is just one part of a larger conflict between the US and China in the tech industry.
Recently, Apple announced that it was instructed by the Chinese government to remove Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp and Threads from its China App Store due to concerns about national security.
TikTok intends to challenge this decision, citing its rights under the First Amendment, and users may also take legal action.
In November, a judge in Montana blocked a state law that aimed to ban TikTok, citing protection of free speech.
The company maintains that it does not share user data with the Chinese government and plans to swiftly challenge the legislation in court.
TikTok informed its staff via email that this is just the beginning of a long process, according to Reuters.
US TikTok Ban
ByteDance might have a grace period to sell its US operations even if the ban stays in place. However, experts warn that finding a buyer could be tough and time-consuming. Senator Ed Markey noted that such a sale would likely be extremely complicated. The Senate, with a 79 to 18 vote, supported the bill, tied to a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
Should TikTok get banned, it won’t be available on app stores, and users can’t access it via web browsers. This could greatly affect the millions of Americans who rely on the app. Some lawmakers fear this bill could set a precedent for government control over social media. Senator Ron Wyden expressed concerns about potential abuse of authority affecting Americans’ First Amendment rights.
Once the bill becomes law, TikTok will have just 270 days to divest its US holdings. It now awaits President Biden’s signature, expected soon.
Also Read: UK’s Safety of Rwanda Bill, Understanding Its Controversy
US Senate Passes Bill to Ban Tiktok FAQs
Q.1. Why is TikTok facing a potential ban in the US?
Ans. TikTok is facing a potential ban in the US due to concerns over its Chinese ownership, which raises security worries among lawmakers regarding potential data access and surveillance by the Chinese government.
Q.2. What is the deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok in the US?
Ans. ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, has 270 days to sell the app in the US once the bill becomes law. Failure to do so could result in a ban on TikTok in the country.
Q.3. How does TikTok plan to challenge the ban decision?
Ans. TikTok intends to challenge the ban decision by citing its rights under the First Amendment. Additionally, users may also take legal action against the ban.
Q.4. What are the concerns about TikTok’s ownership by a Chinese company?
Ans. Concerns revolve around the potential for the Chinese government to access American data or use the app for surveillance purposes, raising national security apprehensions among lawmakers.
Q.5. What impact will the potential ban have on TikTok users in the US?
Ans. If TikTok gets banned in the US, it won’t be available on app stores, and users won’t be able to access it via web browsers. This could significantly affect the millions of Americans who rely on the app for entertainment and social interaction.
