The U.S. House of Representatives has made a move that could lead to banning TikTok in the U.S. They passed a bill that might stop TikTok from being used unless it's sold to a new owner. This decision is part of a larger plan that also includes aid for Israel and Ukraine. The bill passed easily with a vote of 360-58 and now needs approval from the Senate and the President. If it becomes law, TikTok will have 270 days to find a new owner, with a possible extra 90 days if things are moving forward.
TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance and with 170 million U.S. users, doesn't agree with the bill. They say it's bad for free speech, small businesses, and the economy, as TikTok helps bring in $24 billion a year. They're even thinking about taking legal action to fight the bill.
In the Senate, there's a good chance the bill will pass as discussions are ongoing and a vote is expected soon. The inclusion of a longer deadline for TikTok to be sold has made some Senators more supportive. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stressed the urgency of passing this package, which includes the TikTok bill, and discussions in the Senate are set for Tuesday. Analyst Paul Gallant thinks there's an 80% chance it will pass, and it's likely to be considered soon as part of the larger aid package.
FAQs
Q1. What is the new bill about TikTok?
The new bill proposes banning TikTok in the U.S. unless the app is sold to a new owner. This is part of a larger legislative package that also includes foreign aid.
Q2. Why might TikTok be banned in the U.S.?
The U.S. government is concerned that TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could pose a national security risk due to potential data privacy issues.
Q3. How has TikTok responded to the bill?
TikTok opposes the bill, arguing that it infringes on free speech rights and could harm the U.S. economy by affecting small businesses and the platform's contribution of $24 billion annually.
Reference