The US House of Representatives has taken a step towards potentially banning the popular social media app TikTok, with a bill that could force its parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the platform. The move comes amidst concerns from legislators that the Chinese government could have access to user data through TikTok.
The White House has expressed support for the bill, with President Biden ready to sign it into law if it passes through Congress. However, the bill still faces hurdles, including clearing the US Senate, which may prove to be a complex process.
Many of TikTok’s 170 million US users are vocal opponents of the potential ban, along with civil liberties and digital rights groups. TikTok’s CEO has denied allegations of sharing sensitive user data with the Chinese government, but concerns remain about the app’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
The Senate has introduced a rival version of the bill, the RESTRICT Act, which is currently stuck in committee. As the 2024 election year approaches, challenges to passing the bill into law may increase.
There are also concerns about whether TikTok will be banned outright in the US if ByteDance fails to divest. Beijing is unlikely to approve a sale of TikTok to a Western or US-friendly company, potentially leading to a de facto ban on the app.
TikTok’s addictive nature and influence on children have also been cited as reasons for the potential ban. Many TikTok users, content creators, and civil and digital rights groups are mobilizing against the proposed restrictions.
Other countries, including Nepal, India, and various EU countries, have already banned or restricted TikTok. The EU has launched a formal investigation into the platform, focusing on its content, advertising practices, and impact on minors.
“Zombie enthusiast. Subtly charming travel practitioner. Webaholic. Internet expert.”