The Senate has recently passed a bill that could spell trouble for popular social media app TikTok, with the possibility of either a sale or an outright ban looming on the horizon. The bill, which is now awaiting President Biden’s signature, aims to address national security concerns linked to TikTok’s Chinese ownership by ByteDance.
The main worry surrounding TikTok is the potential access the Chinese government could have to sensitive data from its 170 million U.S. users, as well as concerns about the spread of propaganda. If the proposed law is enacted, TikTok could potentially stay in operation in the U.S. if it is sold within 270 days, with the option of an extension up to a year.
However, the road ahead for TikTok is far from clear. Legal challenges and resistance from Beijing are expected, while uncertainty remains over who might be interested in purchasing the app. The hefty price tag for any potential sale is also adding to the complications surrounding the process.
It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, but one thing is certain: TikTok’s future in the U.S. is now in serious jeopardy. Stay tuned as this story continues to develop.
