A bill that could ban TikTok in the U.S. if the app’s Chinese parent company does not sell it has been included in a foreign aid package passed by the House. The bill would give ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, roughly a year to sell the app. The bill also includes aid to Ukraine and Israel. Despite support for the overall aid package, TikTok, its users, and some lawmakers are likely to oppose the ban on the popular social media app.
Former President Donald Trump has criticized President Joe Biden for pushing for a ban on TikTok, urging voters to take notice of his stance on the issue. The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation giving ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, nine months to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban. Biden has stated he would sign the bill if it passes the Senate. Trump argues that Biden is responsible for the potential ban, accusing him of acting in the interests of Facebook. TikTok has denied sharing U.S. user data with China and intends to challenge the legislation in court. The White House aims to ensure TikTok is owned by an American company to protect data and prevent manipulation by China.
The House of Representatives has approved a bill that could potentially ban or force the sale of TikTok in the United States. The bill, packaged with foreign aid packages to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, has bipartisan support and is expected to be considered by the Senate this week. TikTok has stated its intention to challenge the bill in court if passed, arguing that it violates free speech rights.
