In a significant development, the US Senate has approved legislation requiring the divestiture of TikTok from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or its exclusion from the American market. This measure was part of a larger $95 billion foreign aid package aimed at providing military support to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
The legislation, now heading to President Joe Biden for his signature, highlights growing concerns among US and Western officials regarding TikTok’s widespread use and its potential for data gathering and surveillance by Beijing.
With approximately 170 million users in the United States alone, TikTok’s popularity has raised red flags over national security implications. President Biden’s expected approval of the bill is anticipated to bring about a significant shift in the operation of foreign-owned apps in the US, underscoring escalating tensions between the US and China in technology and cybersecurity realms.
This legislative move not only targets TikTok but also equips the White House with new tools to potentially ban other foreign-owned apps deemed as security threats, thereby reshaping the social media landscape in the US and impacting millions of users and content creators. It aligns with broader efforts by Western nations to limit the influence of Chinese technology companies amid fears of espionage and data theft.
The ban on TikTok follows similar actions taken by countries like India, where the app was banned in June 2020, leading to a significant disruption in its user base of around 200 million at the time. India’s ban prompted a surge in alternative platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, reflecting a broader strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese investments and technology.
However, the situation in the US differs, as TikTok is expected to challenge the ban in court, citing First Amendment rights protection. If ByteDance fails to divest TikTok, app stores operated by Apple, Google, and others would be prohibited from offering the app or providing web hosting services to ByteDance-controlled applications or TikTok’s website. The bill also grants the White House new authority to ban or force the sale of other foreign-owned apps deemed security threats.
Once signed into law, ByteDance will have 270 days to divest TikTok’s US operations, with a possible three-month extension if progress is underway on a deal. However, some senators have raised concerns about the feasibility of ByteDance’s divestiture by early 2025 due to the complexity and potential cost of such a transaction. As the TikTok ban unfolds, it could become a pivotal issue in the upcoming presidential campaign, with Republican candidates urging young voters to consider its potential consequences.
