We all know that TikTok’s short-form video format has exploded in popularity, with over 170 million users in the US alone. You might be surprised to know that this addictive platform for entertainment and discovery is owned by a Chinese tech giant, ByteDance. Unfortunately, this Chinese ownership has sparked national security concerns in the West, with some tensions about data privacy influenced by the Chinese government.
This tension reached a boiling point when the US House of Representatives passed a bill with bipartisan support that would force TikTok to sell its US operations or face a strict ban. This move shocked a lot of TikTok enthusiasts. Some users have numerous misconceptions regarding this situation, so let’s understand everything about it.
Why is the US House approaching a potential ban?
The major reason behind the potential ban is a security concern. National security concerns surround TikTok’s data collection practices due to its Chinese ownership by ByteDance. The main worry is the possible chance of compromising user data, including location, browsing history, and even biometric identifiers, which could be accessed by the Chinese government.
However, there is no concrete evidence that TikTok has handed over user data. US lawmakers are just expecting it. Senator Marco Rubio stated, “TikTok is not just a harmless app for sharing funny videos; in fact, it is owned by a Beijing-controlled company that can trace your location, capture your keystrokes, and even monitor your content. There is a straight possibility that this data could end up in the hands of a Chinese communist party.”
What Does the US House of Representatives Bill Say?
From the above section, you get a clear view of why there is a need for a potential ban on TikTok. To avoid a ban, the US House bill proposes that ByteDance sell TikTok’s US operations to an American company. This bill aims to sever the link between the TikTok app and ByteDance. According to the bill, ByteDance has six months to complete the sale.
However, alongside that proposal, legal challenges could cloud the process. The forced sale of TikTok raises questions about fair market value and the chances that ByteDance could contest it. Additionally, finding a US buyer willing and able to handle such a complex deal within the six-month time frame might be difficult. But it seems great how strategically the US House tackles such an app.
What’s the future scope of TikTok in the US?
Currently, the House of Representatives bill has been sent to the United States Senate for consideration. While the House vote displayed bipartisan support for addressing national security concerns, the Senate’s path is less certain. Some Senators have expressed a desire for action, and there seems to be a sense that the Senate will move more cautiously than the US House.
For this reason, the future of TikTok in the US is uncertain. If the bill passes and a sale is not completed within the timeframe, a ban could lead to millions of American users losing access to the platform. Additionally, it could result in job losses at TikTok US during a potential sale or restructuring.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, TikTok’s vibrant popularity in the US, with over 170 million users, clashes with national security concerns due to its ownership by ByteDance. The fear is that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. The US House responded with a bill proposing a forced sale of TikTok’s US operations to avoid a ban. While the House vote showed strong support, the bill’s future in the Senate is uncertain. This ongoing debate could result in a sale, a ban impacting millions of users, or potentially even legal challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is there concern about TikTok’s data collection?
Possibility: The Chinese government could access user data collected by TikTok and potentially use it for espionage or influence operations.
Q2. Is there evidence user data has been misused?
No, there is no concrete evidence that TikTok has handed over user data to the Chinese government.
Q3. What happens if TikTok is banned?
It could lead to millions of American users losing access to the platform, and potential job losses at TikTok US could occur.
Q4. Did the House pass the TikTok ban?
The bill has passed and will accordingly come into force if the conditions mentioned in it are not fulfilled.