The United States Senate has approved legislation that would force TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the social media platform or face a ban in the country. This move stems from ongoing concerns among US lawmakers regarding the potential for Chinese influence and surveillance through TikTok’s operations. The bill was incorporated into a broader $95 billion package providing foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel and was passed by a vote of 79-18. It now awaits President Biden’s signature, who has expressed support for the TikTok proposal. The revised legislation provides ByteDance with a nine-month deadline to divest its ownership in TikTok, with a potential three-month extension if a sale is in progress. Notably, the bill prohibits ByteDance from retaining control over TikTok’s recommendation algorithm, which is responsible for personalizing user content. This provision has drawn criticism from some opponents, who argue that it could stifle innovation and harm the platform’s user experience. The passage of this legislation reflects long-standing bipartisan concerns in Washington about Chinese threats and the ownership of TikTok, which boasts over 170 million active users in the United States. Lawmakers have raised concerns that Chinese authorities could potentially compel ByteDance to surrender US user data or manipulate content on the platform to influence American public opinion. However, TikTok has consistently denied any such intentions, emphasizing its commitment to protecting user data and adhering to US laws. Opponents of the bill argue that the Chinese government could easily acquire information on Americans through alternative channels, such as commercial data brokers. The legislation includes a provision that prohibits data brokers from selling or renting personal information to entities in North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran. Nonetheless, some groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have expressed concerns that the language is overly broad and could impact journalists and others who publish personal information. Critics of the TikTok measure contend that implementing a comprehensive federal data privacy law that applies to all companies, regardless of their origin, is a more effective approach to protecting US consumers. They also highlight that the US government has not provided concrete evidence to support allegations of TikTok sharing US user information with Chinese authorities or manipulating its algorithm at the behest of Chinese officials. TikTok has indicated plans to challenge the legislation in court, arguing that it is an unwarranted restriction on its operations and a violation of free speech rights. The company has had some success with court challenges in the past, but it has never attempted to prevent federal legislation from taking effect. In the meantime, TikTok content creators who rely on the platform for income have been vocal in their opposition to the bill. They gathered outside the Capitol building, carrying signs and expressing concerns about the potential impact on their livelihoods. Some creators have emphasized their trust in TikTok’s security measures, including Project Texas, a $1.5 billion initiative to store US user data on servers owned and maintained by Oracle. They argue that TikTok is currently the safest platform for users due to these measures. The future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain as the legislation moves through the political and legal processes. The company’s ongoing negotiations with the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which investigates corporate deals for potential national security risks, will also play a significant role in determining its outcome.
Senate Approves Bill Forcing TikTok Sale Amid Security Concerns
