The US Senate has passed a landmark bill that could result in the banning of TikTok in America. The legislation gives ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, a nine-month ultimatum to divest its stake in the app, failing which TikTok would face a ban in the United States.
The bill, part of a package including military aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other US partners in the Indo-Pacific region, garnered widespread support among lawmakers, with 79 Senators voting in favour and 18 against.
Senator Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee, emphasized the necessity of the move, stating that allowing the Chinese Communist Party to control such a popular app in America was “dangerously short-sighted.”
He welcomed the new law, which mandates ByteDance to sell the app, asserting it as a positive step for America’s national security.
While ByteDance has not yet responded to the Senate’s decision, it previously stated its opposition to any forced sale of TikTok. The company’s stance aligns with Beijing’s vow to oppose such actions, potentially leading to a prolonged legal battle if the bill becomes law.
TikTok, in its defence, has argued against the bill, highlighting concerns about free speech rights and the economic impact of a potential ban. The platform’s chief executive, Shou Zi Chew, reiterated the company’s commitment to protect its interests through legal means.
However, legal experts anticipate a protracted legal process, estimating it could take up to two years to reach a resolution. Furthermore, the bill’s nine-month timeline for ByteDance to sell its stake introduces further complexities, potentially delaying any immediate action against TikTok in the US.
Congressional concerns about data security and the risk of sensitive information falling into Chinese hands have been driving forces behind the push to sever TikTok’s ties with ByteDance. Despite assertions from TikTok and ByteDance that they operate independently of Chinese influence, the spectre of data privacy continues to loom large over the debate.
As the bill heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for approval, its implications for TikTok’s future in the US remain uncertain, awaiting further developments in the legal and geopolitical arena.
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