An advancing House measure might make TikTok unavailable in the United States. Bipartisan support for the bill stems from lawmakers' worries about the app's monitoring capabilities.
With US House Speaker Mike Johnson's backing, the measure passed the committee 50-0. According to AP News, the White House gave technical support, but Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says it needs more work before President Joe Biden approves it.
ByteDance Ltd., located in Beijing, must sell TikTok and its connected apps within 180 days after implementation or risk US restriction. It also authorizes the executive branch to block foreign enemies' national security-threatening applications.
Johnson calls the plan a nonpartisan effort to fight China and solve economic and security issues. Concerns exist that the Chinese government may force TikTok to divulge US user data. TikTok rejects the charges, and the US government has shown insufficient evidence.
A teenager presents a smartphone with the Chinese social network TikTok logo on January 21, 2021, in Nantes, western France. (Photo: LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)
TikTok Ban Violates the First Amendment Rights of Americans
This legislative effort echoes former President Donald Trump's attempt to ban TikTok through an executive order halted by the courts. TikTok argues that the bill represents an outright ban, endangering the First Amendment rights of millions and affecting small businesses.
According to Committee Chairman Mike Gallagher, the United States cannot allow its main geopolitical adversary to control its dominant media platform. Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi asserts that TikTok poses "critical threats to national security," emphasizing the need for collaboration with its parent company and China's political leadership.
Despite claims that ByteDance has six months to comply, TikTok opposes the move, labeling it "an outright ban." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) criticizes the legislation as an attempt to score "cheap political points." They highlight Americans' reliance on TikTok for information and communication, per the BBC.
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This proposed legislation is the latest effort to regulate TikTok, reflecting ongoing concerns about its impact on national security. The White House, cautious despite its presence on TikTok for outreach, emphasizes balancing engagement with national security. Jean-Pierre affirms the administration's commitment to addressing TikTok-related risks.
The White House banned TikTok on US government devices, but President Joe Biden's re-election campaign has an account.
The fate of the TikTok ban bill awaits further deliberations, potential modifications to legal standards, and broader congressional support.
Other Chinese Firms Targeted by US Congress
In a separate development this week, a groundbreaking bill in the US Senate aims to restrict business ties with major Chinese biotech firms like BGI and WuXi AppTec due to national security concerns.
As reported by TechTimes, the legislation, designed to protect Americans' health and genetic information, will be examined in Congress with potential revisions before advancing to a vote.
The legislation's introduction last month led to a sell-off in WuXi AppTec shares, highlighting investor concerns. If enacted, it would bar federal agencies from contracting with specific Chinese biotech entities and companies using their equipment or services.
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