TikTok is facing fresh calls for a possible ban in the United States from US senators.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is proposing legislation that would force ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, to divest the app within the next six months. If not, TikTok risks losing its 150 million user base in the United States.
The details More than a dozen lawmakers have come together to propose the new legislation, which is expected to get an initial vote on March 7. If the bill passes, ByteDance would have 165 days to divest TikTok. Failure to comply with these orders would make it illegal for app stores operated by Apple and Google to offer TikTok. In addition, it would be illegal to provide web hosting services to applications controlled by ByteDance.
Security concerns. The new legislation is proposed to address national security concerns surrounding the ownership of TikTok. Because TikTok is owned by Chinese multinational ByteDance, it falls under China’s controversial cybersecurity laws. These laws, among other things, contain provisions that may require TikTok to provide US user data to the Chinese Communist Party upon request.
What the US government says. Mike Gallagher, the Republican chairman of the House China Select Committee, is one of the lawmakers proposing the new legislation. he said Reuters:
“This is my message to TikTok: break with the Chinese Communist Party or lose access to your American users.” “America’s main adversary has no business controlling a dominant media platform in the United States.”
Why we care A ban on TikTok in the United States would significantly affect advertisers, especially those targeting Gen Z. This demographic favors TikTok over platforms like Google, making it a crucial channel for advertisers looking to reach this audience.
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What TikTok says. TikTok has always maintained that it operates independently of its owners and takes steps to protect US users’ data from unauthorized foreign access. The platform said in a statement X last year:
“[We are committed to protecting] over 150 million Americans on TikTok. We will keep security, especially for teenagers, a priority.” “We’re going to protect US user data with a firewall from unauthorized foreign access. TikTok will remain a platform for free expression and will not be manipulated by any government.” “We will be transparent and provide access to independent third-party monitors, to be accountable for our commitments.”
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