TikTok, the popular social media app, is facing potential banishment from the United States unless its Chinese owners divest from the platform. Concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers revolve around the possible compromise of American users' data and the potential manipulation of public sentiment. The proposed bill, swiftly advancing through the House, would mandate ByteDance, the Chinese firm behind TikTok, to sell the app or face its prohibition in the U.S.
The bipartisan support for the bill is notable, with a resounding 50-0 vote in favor within the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The House majority leader has indicated that the bill will soon be brought to the House floor for further consideration. If passed in the House, the bill would then proceed to the Senate for review and potentially to the president for final approval.
TikTok is actively opposing the legislation, as evidenced by their efforts to mobilize users to contact their congressional representatives in a bid to thwart the bill's progress. Lawmakers are primarily motivated by concerns over Chinese government interference in TikTok, citing potential risks to American users' privacy and data security.
Despite TikTok's denial of any Chinese government involvement, the White House has expressed support for the bill. The Senate's response to the proposed legislation remains to be seen, with the president indicating readiness to sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk.
