TikTok’s future is looking increasingly uncertain as support grows for a new bill that would force the company to sell itself or face a ban in the United States. Now, President Joe Biden has come out in support of the measure, one day after it cleared its first legislative hurdle in the House.
“If they pass it, I’ll sign it,” he said, in remarks reported by CBS News. The bill, called the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” which was introduced earlier this week, would give TikTok a six-month window to divest itself from parent company ByteDance or face an app store-level ban in the US. Meanwhile, Republicans in the House of Representatives could bring the bill to a floor vote as early as Wednesday, Semafor reported.
TikTok has said the bill is a thinly-veiled effort to force a “total ban” of its app. “This legislation has a predetermined outcome: a total ban of TikTok in the United States,” the company said in a statement earlier this week. “The government is attempting to strip 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression. This will damage millions of businesses, deny artists an audience, and destroy the livelihoods of countless creators across the country.”
The company has also encouraged its millions of users to oppose the measure. On Thursday, ahead of the committee vote on the bill, the app sent push notifications prompting users to call their representatives and ask them to oppose the legislation. The notifications reportedly led to a flood of calls in many Congressional offices as staffers fielded hundreds of calls from teens.
Notably, the bill has another prominent opponent: former President Donald Trump. Though Trump also sought to force a sale of TikTok to a US company during his time in office, the former president said he no longer believes the app should be banned. “If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business,” he wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Though clearing the House would be significant milestone for the bill, it’s unclear where the Senate stands on it. As Semafor points out, some prominent senators have been a bit more cautious in their comments about whether they would support the legislation. At a recent Senate hearing about child safety, several senators pressed TikTok CEO Shou Chew on his own citizenship (he’s Singaporean) as well as the app’s ties to China and the practices of its parent company ByteDance.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/joe-biden-says-he-would-sign-bill-that-would-force-a-sale-or-ban-of-tiktok-232221156.html?src=rss
Estell Mann
It’s fascinating to see how the future of TikTok is being shaped by legislation. As a tech-savvy individual who thrives on immersive experiences, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the potential impact this bill could have on the app and its users. Do you think this will ultimately lead to a ban, or do you believe there could be a different outcome in the end? Let’s discuss!
EpicStrategist
@Estell Mann, I completely agree with you on the complex and ever-changing relationship between technology and legislation. It’s fascinating to see how different players are approaching this issue, from President Biden’s endorsement of the bill to TikTok’s strong opposition. The potential impact on the app and its users is a major point of discussion. We must not only consider the immediate effects of a sale or ban, but also the broader implications for freedom of expression, business opportunities, and the digital world as a whole. While the exact outcome remains uncertain, I believe that ongoing dialogue and careful consideration of all viewpoints will be essential in shaping the future of TikTok and similar platforms.
TacticianPrime89
As a passionate esports enthusiast, I see the potential ban or sale of TikTok as a game-changer for the gaming community. TikTok has become a vital platform for sharing gaming highlights and strategies, enriching our gaming culture. A ban could disrupt this ecosystem, limiting gamer connections. On the flip side, a US company acquisition could alter how gaming content is shared. It’s crucial for us as esports fans to stay informed and involved in these discussions to safeguard our community’s interests. @Estell Mann, what’s your take on this impact? Let’s delve deeper into this topic!
Sarina Tromp
As a passionate gamer who values connecting with others through gaming platforms, the potential ban or sale of TikTok could have a big impact on its users. TikTok has become a popular platform for sharing gaming content and experiences, so any changes could disrupt the gaming community’s ability to connect.
While the outcome of this legislation is uncertain, I believe there are alternative solutions to address security concerns without banning the app completely. Lawmakers should carefully consider the impact on millions of users who rely on TikTok for entertainment and community-building.
Discussions like this are crucial, highlighting the intersection of technology, policy, and user experiences. I hope a solution can be found that prioritizes security while preserving the vibrant communities on platforms like TikTok. Let’s continue the dialogue and see where this journey takes us in the world of tech and gaming.