In a move that could drastically impact the social media landscape, the Senate is on the verge of passing a bill that might result in the ban of the popular app TikTok. This legislation, part of a broader foreign aid package expected to clear the chamber soon, aims to compel ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to sell the app or face prohibition on U.S. devices and networks. Proponents of the measure argue that it’s crucial to safeguard national security by preventing the Chinese government from accessing American user data. However, critics raise concerns about potential infringements on free speech. The bill is anticipated to pass in the Senate tonight.
Former President Trump has weighed in on the looming possibility of Congress banning TikTok, pointing fingers at President Biden for the potential outcome. Trump’s remarks highlighted Biden’s role in the situation, indicating that TikTok’s potential ban is due to the current administration’s actions. During his presidency, Trump had issued an executive order in 2020 seeking to compel ByteDance to divest its U.S. assets, a move that faced legal challenges and was ultimately blocked. The new legislation concerning TikTok, currently advancing in the Senate, sets a deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a U.S. ban within approximately a year.
Following President Biden’s signing of a bill into law that lays the groundwork for a potential TikTok ban if its Chinese parent company fails to sell it, TikTok has announced its intention to challenge the legislation in court. TikTok’s CEO reassured users by stating, “Rest assured – we aren’t going anywhere,” emphasizing the platform’s commitment to fighting against the ban. TikTok has a history of successfully navigating legal challenges, including blocking a Montana law that aimed to ban the app statewide. Additionally, in 2020, a federal judge ruled against Trump’s attempt to ban TikTok, deeming it unconstitutional.
