Los Angeles, California – On Saturday, the House of Representatives passed legislation that could ban TikTok in the United States. However, experts say it’s unlikely the app will disappear anytime soon.
The Proposed Ban
The bill, part of a larger aid package, would prohibit TikTok if its Chinese parent company ByteDance does not divest its stake within a year. This action aims to address national security concerns over the platform’s potential to share sensitive user data with the Chinese government.
House’s Motivations
House Republicans added TikTok to the aid package to expedite its passage, as it had previously stalled in the Senate. The broader aid bill is a priority for President Joe Biden and has bipartisan support.
The Uncertainty Ahead
Despite the House vote, the legislation still faces an uncertain future. It must pass the Senate before becoming law, where TikTok has powerful allies who may lobby against it.
ByteDance has also taken steps to distance the US version of TikTok from its China operations. It has stored US user data in the United States and appointed an independent security review team.
Expected Delays
Even if the ban passes the Senate, legal challenges are expected. TikTok and its supporters would likely argue that it violates the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech.
Experts believe the legal wrangling could take months or even years to resolve. In the meantime, TikTok will likely continue to operate in the United States.
Implications for Users
If the ban ultimately takes effect, TikTok’s 200 million American users would lose access to the popular social media platform. This could create opportunities for rival apps like Instagram and YouTube Shorts.
The proposed ban also highlights the growing geopolitical tensions between the US and China. It remains to be seen how this will impact the broader landscape of internet regulation and social media usage.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
