U.S. House of Representatives Passes Bill Requiring ByteDance to Sell TikTok
Efforts to ban TikTok have resurfaced as the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would compel ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, to sell the popular social media app or face a ban in the United States. This move follows previous attempts during the Trump Administration to restrict the app’s operations.
The House had already passed a similar bill in March, but the Senate showed little interest in pursuing it. However, this new version has garnered more support due to some key changes. One significant change is that ByteDance now has a nine-month window to sell TikTok, compared to the six-month period in the previous bill. Additionally, the bill grants the president the authority to grant a single, additional 90-day extension.
The extension provision seems to have satisfied some Senate skeptics. Senate Commerce chair Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) suggested the extension, stating that it ensures a higher likelihood of divestiture. This alteration may help reduce concerns among lawmakers regarding the potential impact on TikTok’s millions of American users and businesses.
The bill passed with strong support from both Republicans and Democrats, receiving a vote of 360-58. It is part of a larger package that includes foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The inclusion of the TikTok bill is seen as a strategic move by House Speaker Mike Johnson to attract more conservative support for the overall package.
Next Steps and Potential Challenges
The Senate is expected to consider the package in the coming week, and President Joe Biden has expressed his support for the bill and intends to sign it into law. However, if the bill becomes law, TikTok is expected to challenge it in court.
National Security Concerns Surrounding TikTok
The Biden administration has been briefing lawmakers about the national security threats associated with TikTok. They argue that the app poses risks as a potential source of data collection on American users for the Chinese government. Additionally, TikTok could serve as a channel for the Chinese government to disseminate propaganda to Americans.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee chair, Michael McCaul (R-Texas), described TikTok as a “spy balloon in Americans’ phones,” highlighting concerns regarding surveillance and exploitation of personal information by the Chinese government.
TikTok’s Response and Opposition from Civil Liberties Groups
When the possibility of a TikTok ban resurfaced, the company released a statement asserting that the House is leveraging “important foreign and humanitarian assistance” as a guise to push through a ban bill. TikTok argues that this bill would infringe upon the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, adversely impact 7 million businesses, and ultimately shut down the platform.
In addition to TikTok’s objections, civil liberties groups such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union have previously opposed attempts to ban TikTok. They argue that such bans impede individuals’ freedom of speech and expression.
In Conclusion
The U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the bill requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok demonstrates the ongoing concerns about national security and data privacy associated with the app. While the bill has gained support by extending the divestiture period and incorporating additional provisions, it is expected to face legal challenges if enacted. The Senate’s consideration of the bill and President Biden’s support indicate the momentum behind this effort to address the perceived risks posed by TikTok. However, opposition from TikTok itself and civil liberties groups highlights the complexity of balancing national security concerns with individual rights and freedoms.
