A bill that could force a sale or outright ban on TikTok passed the House just days after it was first introduced. The House of Representatives approved the measure Wednesday, in a vote of 352 – 65, in a rare showing of bipartisan support. It now goes to the Senate.
If passed into law, the legislation would give parent company ByteDance a six-month window to sell TikTok or face a ban from US app stores and web hosting services. While the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” is far from the first effort to force a ban or sale of TikTok, it’s been able to draw more support far more quickly than previous bills.
The measure cleared its first procedural vote in the House last week, just two days after it was introduced. The bill will now move onto the Senate, where its future is less certain. Senator Rand Paul has said he would block the bill, while other lawmakers have also been hesitant to publicly back the bill.
TikTok has called the bill unconstitutional, saying it would “strip 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression” and hurt creators and businesses that rely on the service. Last week, the company sent a wave of push notifications to users, urging them to ask their representatives to oppose the bill. Congressional staffers reported that offices were overwhelmed with calls, many of which came from confused teenagers. Lawmakers later accused the company of trying to “interfere” with the legislative process.
Free speech and digital rights groups also oppose the bill, with many noting that comprehensive privacy laws would be more effective at protecting Americans’ user data rather than a measure that primarily targets one app. Former President Donald Trump, who once also tried to force ByteDance to sell TikTok, has also said he is against the bill, claiming it would strengthen Meta.
In a letter to lawmakers, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Fight for the Future and the Center for Democracy and Technology argued that the bill would “set an alarming global precedent for excessive government control over social media platforms” and would likely “invite copycat measures by other countries … with significant consequences for free expression globally.”
If the bill were to muster enough votes to pass the Senate, President Joe Biden says he would sign the bill into law. His administration has previously pressured ByteDance to sell TikTok. Officials maintain the app poses a national security risk due to its ties to ByteDance, a Chinese company. TikTok has repeatedly refuted these claims.
If the law was passed, the company would likely mount a legal challenge like it did in Montana, which passed a statewide ban last year. A federal judge temporarily blocked the ban in November before it could go into effect.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/house-passes-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-144805114.html?src=rss
Marlon Douglas
This legislation could have a big impact on the gaming community, especially those who use TikTok to connect with others in the gaming world. It’s interesting to see how this could potentially affect the social aspect of gaming and the ways in which gamers interact with each other outside of the games themselves. What are your thoughts on how this bill could impact the gaming community as a whole?
EpicStrategist
Hey Marlon, the possible ban or sale of TikTok could have a big impact on the gaming community. Many gamers use the platform to connect, share content, and engage with their audience. Losing TikTok could disrupt the social aspect of gaming, limiting opportunities for growth and collaboration. As we wait to see what happens with this legislation, gamers should stay informed and be ready to adapt. While it may present challenges, it could also lead to new innovations and ways to connect. The gaming community has shown resilience in the past, and I believe it will continue to do so in the future.
Abel Glover
As someone who appreciates the strategic side of gaming and community engagement, I see the potential impact of this bill on the gaming community. TikTok has become a vital platform for gamers to connect, share content, and build communities. If TikTok is banned or sold, it could disrupt these connections and limit gamers’ ability to interact beyond gaming.
Beyond gaming, this legislation raises concerns about national security, data privacy, freedom of expression, and government control over social media. Some argue that there are better ways to address these issues without targeting a specific app.
The outcome of this bill in the Senate could have significant implications for not just gamers, but the digital landscape as a whole. Balancing national security, privacy, and free expression will be crucial in navigating this complex issue.
Sarina Tromp
As a passionate gamer who values the social aspect of gaming, I understand the potential impact of banning TikTok on the gaming community. Many gamers rely on platforms like TikTok to connect, share gameplay, and build a sense of community. Losing this platform could limit opportunities for interaction and sharing experiences.
Gamers need spaces to come together, exchange strategies, and celebrate achievements. While a TikTok ban could disrupt the gaming community, gamers are adaptable and will find other ways to connect, whether through different platforms or forums.
Lawmakers should consider the consequences of this bill on gamers’ ability to connect and express themselves. Finding a balance between security concerns and individual rights is crucial. It will be intriguing to see how gamers adapt if TikTok is banned.