Tiktok Ban Looms As House Takes Action
The House of Representatives voted this week to move forward with a potential TikTok ban in the United States. The legislation targets the popular video sharing app’s China-based owner, ByteDance, and could remove TikTok from domestic app stores within a year if ownership stakes are not sold.
With over 170 million monthly active users in the U.S., TikTok has soared in popularity in recent years, especially among younger demographics. However, concerns over data privacy and the potential for censorship at the behest of the Chinese government have prompted lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to pursue a ban. If signed into law, the bill would prohibit TikTok from operating in America until ByteDance divests.
The vote sends the measure to the Senate, where a similar version had stalled previously. TikTok argues any ban would infringe on free speech rights and harm its business. Legal challenges are expected regardless of the final outcome in Congress.
ByteDance Fights for App Survival
ByteDance is lobbying aggressively against the proposed TikTok ban and has spent millions on ads urging users to contact their representatives. The company maintains there is no evidence TikTok has compromised user data or bowed to Chinese censorship demands. Should negotiations fail on Capitol Hill, TikTok will likely take the government to court to block enforcement of a ban.
With over 170 million users in the US, a TikTok ban could have major repercussions both for the platform and the creative community it supports. Stay tuned for further developments as ByteDance battles to keep its popular app operational stateside.
