• 24 Apr, 2024
• Joshua Miller
• No comment

President Biden Signs Bill Threatening TikTok Ban in U.S.A

President Biden has taken a significant step towards potentially banning TikTok in the U.S. by signing a bill that stipulates its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, must sell the popular social media platform within a year. The legislation, which also includes provisions for aid to Ukraine and Israel, received bipartisan support, passing in the U.S. Senate with a vote of 79-18 late Tuesday, following an overwhelming majority in the House over the weekend.

Under the terms of the bill, ByteDance has a nine-month window to divest TikTok, with the possibility of a 90-day extension to finalize a deal. Failure to comply would result in TikTok being removed from app stores in the U.S., effectively rendering it illegal.

In response, TikTok has announced its intention to challenge what it deems an “unconstitutional law” in court. The company asserts its commitment to data security and maintaining a platform free from external influence. Moreover, TikTok argues that a ban would have dire consequences, impacting millions of businesses and silencing millions of American users.

TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, voiced disappointment over the news and pledged to continue the fight to keep TikTok operational in the U.S.

This development comes after a similar standalone bill was passed by the House in March, aimed at banning TikTok or compelling its sale within six months. However, the Senate did not take action on that bill. This time, the inclusion of foreign aid provisions in the bill forced the Senate’s hand, prompting a decisive vote.

Throughout the process, TikTok has maintained that its platform is essential for creators and small businesses in the United States. Just weeks ago, the company released an economic impact report highlighting its contribution of $14.7 billion to small to mid-sized U.S. companies.

The future of TikTok in the U.S. now hinges on how ByteDance responds to the ultimatum outlined in the bill and the outcome of any potential legal challenges.