The House Passes Bill Threatening Nationwide Ban of TikTok
In a significant move that could impact millions of TikTok users in the U.S., the House has passed a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular social media platform if its China-based owner does not sell its stake. The bill, which passed by a vote of 352-65, is now headed to the Senate for further consideration.
Lawmakers have expressed concerns about TikTok’s ownership structure, pointing to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, as a potential national security threat due to its alleged ties to the Chinese government. President Biden has indicated that he will sign the bill if it clears Congress.
TikTok CEO has assured users that their data will remain safe and free from outside manipulation. Meanwhile, the Chinese government has accused the U.S. of using political tools under the guise of business competition.
The potential ban has sparked mixed reactions, with some TikTok influencers and creators expressing concerns about the bill. Former President Donald Trump has publicly opposed the House effort, while his Vice President Mike Pence is calling on the Senate to pass the bill.
If the bill becomes law, it could have far-reaching consequences for TikTok users, entrepreneurs, and business owners in the U.S. Lawmakers from both parties are united in their concerns about national security threats posed by TikTok and other Chinese-owned companies.
The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain as the Senate prepares to take up the bill for consideration.
*Associated Press staff writer Didi Tang contributed to this report.
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