The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved a bill aimed at forcing ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, to sell its U.S. assets within a year. If ByteDance fails to comply, TikTok could be banned across the nation. The bill will now be considered by the Senate, with a vote expected soon. Let’s delve into the US Government’s push to ban TikTok, its prospects in the Senate, and the potential implications.
Why the US Government Is Trying To Ban TikTok?
US Government is concerned that TikTok, owned by a Chinese company, might be influenced by the Chinese government to meddle in the 2024 U.S. elections. This worry was expressed by Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines during a hearing in March. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, along with the Biden administration, share this concern due to the potential national security risks.
They fear that China could force TikTok to hand over the data of its 170 million U.S. users. The Department of Justice has also cautioned that because TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing, users in the US Government might be vulnerable to surveillance and censorship from foreign governments like China.
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TikTok Bill and its Impact on Politics
In a year of elections, as politicians aim to show strength on China-related matters, a new bill is addressing national security worries. Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerns about TikTok, as well as other issues like smart vehicles, AI chips, and port cranes.
However, many young voters are against US Government for banning TikTok because they rely on it to share their opinions and stay updated on politics. President Biden’s reelection campaign even hopped on TikTok earlier this year, giving TikTok officials hope that new laws might not pass this year.
Congress Passes Bill Targeting TikTok
The bill got approved by a big margin of 360 to 58, showing strong support from both Democrats and Republicans. It’s part of a $95 billion package that also helps Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan with security.
This TikTok measure came from a proposal made by Mike Gallagher, a Republican, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, along with several other lawmakers on March 5. They want to address concerns about TikTok’s influence, especially its ties to China.
However, not everyone is on board. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna believes that banning TikTok might not hold up in court because of free speech protections in the Constitution.
Some well-known Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, and Pramila Jayapal voted against the bill. Ocasio-Cortez raised concerns about privacy, antitrust issues, and the need for transparency regarding national security worries.
US Government Could Force TikTok Divestment
If the Senate approves and President Biden signs the bill, TikTok’s owner ByteDance, a Chinese company, will have about nine months to sell off TikTok’s assets in the United States. The deadline might get extended by three months if progress is made toward the sale. However, it’s uncertain whether China will allow the sale, or if ByteDance can divest its U.S. assets in that timeframe.
If ByteDance fails to sell, big app stores like Apple and Google won’t be able to legally offer TikTok or provide web hosting for ByteDance’s apps. This could make it very hard, or even impossible, for people in the U.S. to use TikTok.
Global Bans on TikTok
In June 2020, India made a decision to ban TikTok and many other apps developed by Chinese companies, citing concerns about national security. Following suit, Nepal also banned TikTok in November 2023. Moreover, countries like the U.S., Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have prohibited TikTok from being used on government-owned devices.
What’s Next For TikTok in the US?
The TikTok bill recently approved by the House stands a solid chance of approval in the Senate. This is because it includes key priorities for the Senate, such as providing assistance to Ukraine and Israel. Maria Cantwell, head of the Senate Commerce Committee, holds influence in the Senate’s decision-making process. She previously requested revisions to the bill, which was initially voted on March 13.
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US Government Is Trying To Ban TikTok FAQs
Q.1. Why is the US government trying to ban TikTok?
Ans. The US government is concerned about potential Chinese influence on TikTok and its implications for national security, particularly in elections.
Q.2. What is the TikTok bill and its impact on politics?
Ans. The bill aims to force ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, to sell its US assets within a year, addressing national security concerns amidst bipartisan support.
Q.3. Who supports the TikTok bill?
Ans. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, with both Democrats and Republicans expressing concerns about TikTok’s ties to China and its potential risks.
Q.4. What happens if the TikTok bill becomes law?
Ans. If approved, ByteDance will have to divest its US assets, potentially impacting TikTok’s availability in the US.
Q.5. Are there global precedents for banning TikTok?
Ans. Yes, India and Nepal have previously banned TikTok over national security concerns, while other countries have restricted its use on government-owned devices.
