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Bipartisan Group Launches TikTok Bill

Bipartisan Group Launches TikTok Bill

In a move that could potentially lead to a complete ban of the popular social media app TikTok, bipartisan legislation has been introduced that could require the app’s Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, to divest from its ownership or face an outright ban on app stores in the United States. This legislation, set to be reviewed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Thursday, is being positioned as a means to protect the national security of the country from the threat posed by foreign adversary-controlled applications.

The concerns surrounding TikTok’s ties to China are not new. For several years, ByteDance has been under scrutiny over fears that the app could pose a serious risk to national security due to its ties to Beijing. Lawmakers are now urging ByteDance to sell the app or risk losing access to the American market. Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, a co-sponsor of the legislation and head of the House Select Committee on China, stated that the app must “break up with the Chinese Communist Party” or face the consequences.

Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi echoed this sentiment, urging American users of TikTok to pressure ByteDance to sell the app. The proposed legislation would provide a pathway for this divestment to take place. However, the news has been met with pushback from TikTok, who framed the legislation as an “outright ban” that would damage small businesses across America. In a post on their X platform, TikTok emphasized that the bill would “trample the First Amendment rights” of its 170 million American users and jeopardize the growth of 5 million small businesses that rely on the app as a platform.

The White House’s involvement in the legislation also raises concerns for TikTok’s future. Despite President Biden’s use of the app during his presidential campaign to connect with young voters, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the administration has been involved in the bill and “wants to see it get done.” However, she assured that the move is not aimed at banning TikTok altogether, but rather ensuring its ownership is not in the hands of those who may pose a threat to national security.

The bill has also sparked discussion about the possible impact on the First Amendment rights of TikTok users, as well as the potential harm to small businesses that rely on the app for marketing and growth. Some experts have expressed concerns that the legislation may set a precedent for government intervention in social media companies.

On the other hand, proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary for national security purposes. They point to the fact that the Chinese government has a history of using technology companies to collect sensitive data and information from other countries. ByteDance’s close ties to Beijing have raised red flags, as the company is headquartered in Singapore but ultimately under Chinese control.

As the bill moves through Congress and gains support from the White House, there are still many questions about the future of TikTok in the United States. It remains to be seen if ByteDance will comply with the proposed divestment or if the app will ultimately face an outright ban. In the meantime, both TikTok users and small businesses that rely on the app are left uncertain about what the future holds. The potential consequences of these actions could have a significant impact not only on the app and its users, but also on the relationship between the US and China.

Written by Mark Stevens - March 7, 2024