Lawmakers in the U.S. House passed a bill raising national security concerns about the Chinese ownership of TikTok. The bill could force ByteDance to sell the app or see it banned in the United States.

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill on Wednesday that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the United States. The legislation requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, a Chinese firm, to sell the app or face a nationwide ban. This move marks the most significant challenge yet to TikTok, a hugely popular video-sharing platform used by 170 million Americans. However, critics argue that TikTok poses a national security threat due to its Chinese ownership.

The bill passed with a strong majority vote (352 to 65). However, its future in the Senate is uncertain. While Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hasn’t shown support, some senators, including Republican Rand Paul, have already voiced their opposition.

President Joe Biden has indicated support for the TikTok ban bill, despite potential drawbacks. Although his campaign recently joined the platform, and a ban could alienate younger voters, Biden has stated he would sign the legislation if it reaches his desk.

Legal Battles Loom: Even if passed, the bill faces legal challenges from TikTok and its supporters. The company argues the measure violates free speech rights (First Amendment) and lobbied Congress heavily before the vote.

• TikTok’s Statement: The company emphasizes a “secret process” and potential economic impact, highlighting the platform’s contribution to businesses and users. (Link to a relevant article is included)

• Divided Opinions: House Republicans largely backed the bill despite Trump’s recent ambivalence.

  • Trump’s Concerns: Feared a ban would strengthen Facebook (Meta Inc.) and alienate young voters who rely on TikTok.

• Underlying Reasons: Republicans’ support reflects national security concerns. Lawmakers suspect Chinese influence over ByteDance Ltd., TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, and potential use for propaganda. Testimony from FBI Director Wray during a Senate hearing reinforces these concerns.

A History of Stalled Solutions: The US government’s relationship with TikTok has been fraught with challenges. Under Trump, an agreement was reached for ByteDance to sell its US assets to Oracle, but the deal fell through after Biden took office.

Project Texas: A Short-Lived Attempt: The Biden administration then negotiated Project Texas, a plan involving Oracle hosting US user data, reviewing TikTok’s software, and overseeing a government-approved board. However, US officials ultimately deemed it insufficient and pushed for a complete sale, a request ByteDance rejected.

Fast-Tracked Legislation: The House passed the bill in a rapid eight-day turnaround. The legislation effectively bans TikTok from US app stores like Apple’s and Google’s Play Store if ByteDance, the app’s Chinese owner, doesn’t sell it within the next six months (180 days).

TikTok’s Last-Ditch Efforts Fail: Despite a whirlwind lobbying effort and an in-app campaign urging users to contact representatives, TikTok couldn’t prevent the bill’s passage in the House. The company has consistently denied Chinese influence and claims it doesn’t share user data with the Chinese government.

Weaponized Platform? Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI), a co-sponsor of the bill, believes TikTok’s user notification campaign backfired. He expressed concern that the platform could be used as a weapon of influence.

Senate Support Emerges: Following the House vote, Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued a joint statement acknowledging TikTok’s power to influence and potentially divide Americans. They expressed support for the House vote and a desire to see the bill passed in the Senate.tt