TikTok, the wildly popular short video app, finds itself once again at the center of a legal battle as U.S. President Joe Biden signed a bill that could ultimately lead to its ban in the United States. The legislation, aimed at China-based ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, gives them 270 days to divest its U.S. assets or face a ban.
In response, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, expressed confidence in their legal challenge against the bill, assuring users that the company isn’t going anywhere. Emphasizing that TikTok would continue to operate as usual, Chew cited confidence in the facts and constitutional grounds of their case.
The signing of the bill comes amidst concerns over Chinese ownership of TikTok and the potential risks associated with data privacy and national security. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre stressed that the aim isn’t to see a ban but to address concerns regarding ownership.
This move isn’t new territory for TikTok, as it faced a similar situation in 2020 under the Trump administration. However, the current bill raises questions about the feasibility of finding a buyer for TikTok and whether such a sale would receive approval from both Chinese and U.S. government agencies.
Experts predict a legal battle, with TikTok expected to challenge the bill on First Amendment grounds, while users may also take legal action. However, the new legislation provides the Biden administration with a stronger legal basis for a potential ban if ByteDance fails to comply.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the fate of TikTok’s 8,000 U.S. employees, urging the White House to consider the impact on local economies. Additionally, the bill grants the White House new powers to address security threats posed by other foreign-owned apps.
Despite the uncertainty, Biden’s re-election campaign intends to continue using TikTok, recognizing its influence as a platform for information dissemination. This decision contrasts with Trump’s campaign, which did not engage with TikTok.
As the legal battle unfolds, content creators on TikTok are mobilizing to voice their opposition to the bill. Many argue that TikTok is the safest platform for users, pointing to Project Texas, a $1.5 billion mitigation plan aimed at safeguarding U.S. user data.
The outcome of this legal saga will not only impact TikTok’s future in the U.S. but also set a significant precedent for government control over social media platforms globally.
