The US House of Representatives has approved a bill that could ultimately result in a nationwide ban on the popular social media platform TikTok. The legislation mandates that ByteDance, the Chinese tech conglomerate that owns TikTok, must divest its stake in the app within six months or face expulsion from US app stores and web hosting platforms.
This move comes amidst ongoing concerns voiced by American authorities regarding national security risks associated with TikTok. Lawmakers have cited potential ties between ByteDance and the Chinese Communist Party, although these allegations have been consistently denied by both ByteDance and TikTok.
Former President Donald Trump previously attempted to enact a ban on TikTok during his tenure in the White House in 2020, albeit unsuccessfully. However, Trump has criticized the latest bill, suggesting that restricting TikTok's operations would disproportionately favor tech giant Facebook.
The bill's future now lies in the hands of the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain. Nevertheless, President Joe Biden has affirmed his intention to sign the bill into law should it pass through the Senate chamber.
A spokesperson for TikTok characterized the bill as a potential "ban" and urged senators to heed the voices of their constituents before taking any decisive action. With ByteDance's ownership of TikTok under intense scrutiny, the fate of the popular app in the United States hangs in the balance.
As the debate surrounding TikTok's future unfolds on Capitol Hill, the next crucial step involves thorough scrutiny by senators. Ultimately, the fate of TikTok in the US hinges on whether ByteDance complies with the stipulations of the bill or faces the prospect of a nationwide ban.
