Tiktok Ban Heats Up as House Passes Bill, Senate Support Grows
Concerns Over Data Security Fuel Push for Ban
Legislation Gives ByteDance Limited Deadline to Divest or Face Prohibition
The United States House of Representatives has passed legislation that could potentially ban TikTok, the popular short-form video sharing app owned by China-based ByteDance Limited. The bipartisan bill, which has already received key support in the Senate, is fueled by concerns over the company's data security practices and potential ties to the Chinese government.
Under the legislation, ByteDance would have nine to 12 months to sell or divest TikTok's American operations or face a nationwide ban. This ultimatum comes amid ongoing debate about the app's potential to collect sensitive user data and pose a national security threat.
The House's passage of the bill marks a significant escalation in efforts to restrict TikTok in the United States. In 2020, President Trump issued executive orders that would have banned the app, but these were later blocked by court challenges. The current legislation, if passed by the Senate and signed into law, would provide a more comprehensive and permanent solution to the concerns over TikTok.
Supporters of the bill argue that TikTok's massive user base and its collection of personal data make it a potential risk to national security. They point to potential links between ByteDance and the Chinese government and express concerns that user data could be used for nefarious purposes.
Opponents of the ban, including TikTok itself, argue that such concerns are overblown and that the company has taken steps to protect user data. They also emphasize TikTok's popularity and its role in providing entertainment and economic opportunities for American users.
The legislation's passage by the House has increased the likelihood of a TikTok ban in the United States. However, the bill still faces challenges in the Senate, where it requires a two-thirds majority to pass. The outcome of the Senate vote is expected to have a major impact on the future of TikTok in the United States.
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