Is TikTok really going to get banned in the US?
President Biden has signed a new bill that could significantly impact TikTok’s operations in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know:
What’s Happening?
The U.S. government has passed a bill requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the app within nine months, with a possible three-month extension if progress is made. If ByteDance fails to comply, TikTok may be banned from being distributed in the U.S. This action was included in a broader foreign aid package, which sped through Congress.
Why?
Concerns have been raised about national security and the potential for the Chinese government to access data on U.S. residents through TikTok. The U.S. argues that this could allow for spying on Americans or manipulating public discourse, although TikTok denies such claims, stating that it does not share U.S. user data with China.
What Happens Next?
TikTok plans to challenge this decision in the courts, emphasizing concerns over free speech and the impact on the platform’s 170 million American users and 7 million U.S. businesses that rely on it for their operations.
Broader Implications
This legislation is part of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over technology and security. The bill’s supporters see it as necessary to protect national interests, while opponents argue it threatens free speech and innovation.
