TikTok Faces U.S. Ban Deadline After House Approval

Legislation that could lead to the ban of TikTok in the United States is on the verge of becoming law, following the House of Representatives’ approval of the bill as part of a broader foreign aid package. The bill, which passed by a significant margin of 360-58, mandates that ByteDance, the China-based owner of TikTok, must sell the popular social media app within 270 days to a buyer not affiliated with a foreign adversary like Russia, China, or Iran. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in a ban on TikTok in the country.

While the bill has cleared a major hurdle in the House, its future remains uncertain as it heads to the Senate for further deliberation. The legislation has sparked intense debate and controversy, with proponents arguing it is necessary to protect national security and data privacy, while opponents view it as an infringement on free speech and an unwarranted interference in the market.

ByteDance and the Chinese government have strongly opposed the bill, with TikTok criticizing it as an attack on free expression and a detrimental move for the economy. TikTok has actively campaigned against the legislation, reportedly spending $5 million on advertisements since mid-March to sway public opinion and lobby lawmakers against the bill. Meanwhile, Chinese officials have also expressed resistance to the forced sale of TikTok, indicating that any potential transaction would require their approval.

Should the bill become law, TikTok faces a pivotal nine-month period in which it must navigate the complex process of selling the app to a suitable buyer. The company has hinted at potential legal challenges, with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew reassuring users in a video message that they will do everything within their legal rights to protect the platform.

The legislative push to ban TikTok comes amid longstanding concerns about the app’s ties to the Chinese government and its alleged role in data privacy and national security issues. However, TikTok has successfully fought off previous attempts to ban it in the U.S., including a legal victory against the Trump administration in 2020.

Despite the challenges ahead, the bill has garnered bipartisan support in the Senate, raising the likelihood of its passage into law. President Joe Biden has indicated his willingness to sign the bill if it clears the Senate, underscoring the growing momentum behind efforts to rein in TikTok’s influence in the United States.