President Joe Biden announced his intention to sign legislation requiring ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to divest the popular short video app within six months.
The bill, set for voting in the U.S. House of Representatives next week, has sparked debate amid concerns raised by former President Donald Trump and the Justice Department‘s recommendation for divestiture over a ban.
The proposed legislation has gained momentum after receiving unanimous approval from a House committee, despite uncertain prospects in the Senate. Biden expressed his readiness to sign the bill if passed by the House, emphasizing the importance of addressing national security concerns associated with TikTok‘s ownership.
Former President Trump, in opposition to a potential TikTok ban, argued on social media that eliminating the app could benefit Facebook. He criticized Meta Platforms for previously suspending his accounts, suggesting a bias against him.
However, the Trump campaign has yet to provide an official stance on the legislation, and Meta Platforms declined to comment.
The Justice Department supported the divestiture approach, stating that it would strengthen the government’s legal position. Meanwhile, former Vice President Mike Pence endorsed the legislation, highlighting concerns about Chinese influence on American youth.
If passed, the bill would give ByteDance 165 days to divest TikTok, with implications for app stores and web hosting services. TikTok, which denies sharing user data with the Chinese government, argues that the legislation effectively amounts to a ban, potentially jeopardizing free expression rights for millions of Americans.
Despite its popularity, legislative approval in an election year poses challenges, particularly with the divergent views between the Biden and Trump camps. However, the proposed legislation underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly in the realm of technology and national security.
