The House of Representatives is poised to approve a bill that could lead to the banning of the popular video-sharing app TikTok in the United States. Lawmakers are acting on concerns over the app’s ownership structure, which they argue poses a threat to national security.
If passed, the bill would mandate that the Chinese company ByteDance divest TikTok and other affiliated applications within six months of the bill’s enactment. Failure to comply would result in the prohibition of these apps. Lawmakers contend that ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government raise concerns that sensitive user data could be accessed by Chinese authorities, citing Chinese national security laws that require organizations to cooperate with intelligence gathering efforts.
While the House is expected to pass the bill, its fate in the Senate remains uncertain. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer indicated that the measure would undergo thorough review and consultation with relevant committee chairs before any decision is made. President Joe Biden has expressed his intention to sign the bill if it passes both chambers of Congress.
The proposed legislation marks a new chapter in the ongoing tensions between lawmakers and the tech industry. By targeting TikTok, which boasts millions of users, particularly among younger demographics, lawmakers are addressing concerns about data privacy and national security ahead of upcoming elections.
Ahead of the House vote, a senior national security official in the Biden administration briefed lawmakers on TikTok’s potential national security implications. Lawmakers are balancing these security concerns with the importance of preserving free speech online.
Rep. Mike Gallagher, the bill’s author, emphasized the need for a careful approach to force ByteDance’s divestiture without granting excessive regulatory authority over content or American companies.
TikTok has consistently denied allegations of being influenced by the Chinese government and has vowed not to share user data with Chinese authorities. However, concerns persist among lawmakers, with some arguing for a ban to prevent undue influence from strategic adversaries.
Despite the security briefing, opinions remained divided among lawmakers. While some view TikTok as a national security threat, others believe the evidence presented is insufficient to justify a ban.
Republicans have been particularly proactive in advancing the bill, creating a rare divide between themselves and former President Donald Trump, who has expressed opposition to banning TikTok. Trump’s attempts to ban the app through executive orders were thwarted by legal challenges, highlighting the complexities of addressing national security concerns in the realm of social media.
