The House of Representatives has passed a bill that could potentially result in a nationwide ban of the popular video app TikTok if its China-based owner fails to sell its stake. The bill, which was approved by a vote of 352-65, is now headed to the Senate for further consideration.
TikTok, a platform with over 150 million American users, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the national security implications of the company’s ownership structure, alleging that ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government could pose a threat to the privacy and data security of TikTok users in the U.S.
The bill’s passage in the House marks the initial stage of the legislative process. Its fate in the Senate remains uncertain, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer indicating that the measure will undergo a comprehensive review before any decision is made.
President Joe Biden has expressed his willingness to sign the bill into law if it successfully clears the Senate. The move to target TikTok reflects the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, with lawmakers framing the platform as a significant national security concern while also acknowledging its widespread popularity, particularly among younger demographics.
In response to the House vote, a TikTok spokesperson, Alex Haurek, criticized the legislative process as secretive and expressed hope for a more thorough consideration of the facts in the Senate.
