In a significant move targeting Chinese tech giant ByteDance and its popular short video app TikTok, the US House of Representatives is poised to fast-track a vote on legislation that would compel ByteDance to divest from TikTok within six months or face a potential ban in the United States.
This development comes after the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously approved the measure on Thursday.
Congressional Vote Looms Amid National Security Concerns
The bill has gained notable momentum. The committee's 50-0 vote indicated strong bipartisan support for the crackdown on TikTok, which boasts approximately 170 million users in the US.
This marks a pivotal moment in ongoing efforts to address national security concerns related to the app's Chinese ownership.
"This legislation has a predetermined outcome: a total ban of TikTok in the United States," TikTok stated following the vote. "The government is attempting to strip 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression."
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise affirmed that lawmakers are set to vote on the bill next week, emphasizing the aim to sever ties between TikTok and the Chinese Communist Party.
This move underscores the growing scrutiny surrounding TikTok's data handling practices and its potential implications for national security.
While TikTok has vehemently denied sharing US user data with the Chinese government, concerns persist among policymakers. The proposed legislation aims to address these concerns by compelling ByteDance to divest from TikTok, effectively severing its ties with Chinese entities.
However, ByteDance has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such a divestment within the stipulated time frame.
The company argues that the bill effectively amounts to a ban on TikTok in the US, raising questions about the potential impact on businesses, artists, and creators who rely on the platform for their livelihoods.
Before the committee's vote, lawmakers received a classified briefing on national security concerns related to TikTok's Chinese ownership, highlighting the gravity of the issue at hand.
Gallagher: Bill Not Intended to Ban TikTok
Republican congressman Mike Gallagher, who chairs the House select committee on China, clarified that the bill is not intended as a ban on TikTok. He stressed the importance of separating the app from entities controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.
Despite vocal opposition from TikTok and concerns about the potential impact on users and businesses, the bill enjoys rare bipartisan support and strong backing from the White House.
This suggests that lawmakers are resolute in their efforts to address the perceived threats posed by TikTok's Chinese ownership.
Looking ahead, the proposed legislation will undergo further scrutiny and debate as it progresses through the legislative process.
If approved by the House, it will then proceed to the Senate for consideration before potentially being signed into law by the President.
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