TikTok is facing a significant challenge as a bill set to be voted on in the House seeks to ban the app unless its Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, sells it to a non-Chinese owner. The bill, expected to pass in the House, would still need approval from the US Senate and President Joe Biden to become law.
In response, TikTok has launched a vigorous campaign to oppose the bill. The company mobilized its users to contact local representatives and express their opposition. CEO Shou Chew has been actively lobbying senators, and TikTok is also preparing for potential litigation.
Reports suggest that TikTok plans to explore all legal options before considering a separation from ByteDance. The company, along with free speech advocates like the ACLU, argues that a ban would violate the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.
The bill is framed as a measure to safeguard national security by targeting 'foreign adversary-controlled applications.' Experts suggest that focusing on national security could strengthen the US government's position in potential legal battles.
If TikTok loses its legal fight, ByteDance would be required to divest the social media platform. However, this process could face hurdles as the Chinese government has expressed opposition to a forced sale of TikTok. Chinese law mandates that the commerce ministry must approve any sale of the app.
TikTok's fate hangs in the balance as it navigates through legal challenges and political pressures. The outcome of this battle will not only impact the app's future but also have broader implications for the regulation of social media platforms with foreign ownership.
