Legislation that could lead to the banning of TikTok in the United States has received a significant boost as House Republican leaders have included it in a package of bills aimed at providing aid to Ukraine and Israel. The bill, which has already passed the House and enjoys broad support in both chambers, could become law as early as next week if Congress acts swiftly.
The proposed legislation requires the China-based owner of TikTok, ByteDance Ltd., to sell its stake in the app for it to continue operating in the U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed his willingness to sign the bill into law once it reaches his desk.
The bill has recently been endorsed by Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell, who successfully negotiated to extend the divestment period from six months to a year, allowing more time for the company to find a buyer. The revised House bill would grant nine months for the sale to take place, with a potential three-month extension if negotiations are ongoing.
If passed, this legislation would mark a rare instance of bipartisan unity against a single company, reflecting lawmakers' concerns over Chinese threats and national security. Despite opposition claiming the ban could be unconstitutional, the bill has garnered support from both parties.
While the U.S. government has not presented evidence of TikTok sharing user data with the Chinese government, the company has faced backlash from content creators and users who fear the platform's potential shutdown. TikTok has launched a significant advertising campaign opposing the legislation, emphasizing its positive impact and economic contributions to the U.S. economy.
If enacted, this bill would represent a significant move by Congress to regulate the tech industry, which has long faced calls for increased oversight. While some lawmakers view the TikTok ban as a necessary step, others argue it sets a dangerous precedent and could infringe on free speech rights.
Despite the ongoing debate, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain as Congress deliberates on this groundbreaking legislation.
