US House Passes Legislation That Could Ban TikTok Amid National Security Concerns

Quincy Jon, Tech Times 13 March 2024, 12:03 pm

On Wednesday, the House approved legislation requiring TikTok to cut connections with its parent business or risk a countrywide ban.

The bipartisan bill, which passed 352 to 65 and 1 present, tackles national security issues relating to ByteDance, its Chinese parent firm.

Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) said, "Today we send a clear message that we will not tolerate our adversaries weaponizing our freedoms against us," as reported by the Washington Post.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) (L) and Rep. Mike Gallager (D-WI) talk with reporters after the House of Representatives vote on legislation they co-sponsored to ban TikTok at the U.S. Capitol on March 13, 2024, in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to ban TikTok in the United States due to concerns over personal privacy and national security unless the Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance sells the popular video app within the next six months. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Biden Supports TikTok Ban

U.S. President Joe Biden's readiness to sign the law has bolstered the House effort, but the Senate's legality and free speech issues will decide its destiny.

Despite its U.S. incorporation, TikTok's links to ByteDance have sparked concerns about abuse by the Chinese government. Data security issues and foreign interference are debated in the law.

US legislators were unconvinced by TikTok's claims that it hasn't shared U.S. user data with China.

While the primary goal is TikTok's divestment from ByteDance, the company criticizes the legislation for a predetermined outcome: a total ban in the U.S.

Last year, lawmakers proposed measures to grant the federal government more authority over TikTok and apps linked to U.S. rivals, facing criticism for potential infringements on free-speech rights.

The legislative landscape changed last week when the leaders of key House committees introduced new legislation targeting TikTok.

China Blasts TikTok Ban, Says Its US' Hypocrisy

China has firmly opposed any forced sale of TikTok, citing the need for compliance with Chinese laws and regulations.

On the Chinese social media platform Weibo, TikTok became a top trending topic with the hashtag "TikTok starts to fight back," drawing 80 million views.

According to a CNN report, users expressed support for the popular video-sharing app's efforts and accused the U.S. of hypocrisy. According to the state-run Global Times, the U.S. is trying to "rob TikTok" and undermine free expression and the rule of law.

Prior to the latest development on the US TikTok ban measure, TechTimes recently reported that TikTok launched a photo-sharing app called 'TikTok Photos.'

This follows TikTok's October 2022 photo-sharing functionality. Unlike the previous format, where users uploaded videos in a slideshow, the new app, identified through a decompilation process of TikTok's Android version 33.8.4, emphasizes a focused platform for sharing images alone.

Additionally, reports suggest former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick signaled interest in acquiring TikTok if ByteDance decides to sell the popular social media platform.

Bobby Kotick has emerged as a potential buyer for TikTok, signaling a notable departure from his prior endeavors in the gaming industry.

His interest was reportedly expressed to ByteDance co-founder Zhang Yiming, with discussions surrounding a potential acquisition valued at hundreds of billions of dollars.

In pursuit of this ambitious endeavor, Kotick is exploring partnerships, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman being one of the potential collaborators.

Integrating TikTok's vast user data could offer opportunities for OpenAI to enhance its AI capabilities. However, the feasibility of such an acquisition hinges on securing substantial capital.