In a significant move reported by Reuters on March 13, the US House of Representatives has passed a bill that could lead to the banning of TikTok unless its Chinese owner ByteDance divests its US operations within six months. This development, marking one of the boldest steps against the popular video-sharing app since the Trump administration, underscores escalating concerns over national security related to China’s influence through technology.
According to Reuters, the bill received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing with a vote of 352-65. However, its future in the Senate remains uncertain, with differing opinions on how to address security risks posed by foreign-owned applications. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated that the Senate will review the legislation carefully.
This legislative action represents Washington’s broader efforts to mitigate US national security risks associated with China, including issues related to connected vehicles, advanced AI chips, and port infrastructure. Reuters highlights the urgency expressed by top political figures, including the No. 2 House Republican Steve Scalise and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, for the Senate to act swiftly on this critical national security concern.
The Reuters report points out the wide usage of TikTok in the US, with about 170 million Americans on the platform. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, who is reportedly in Washington, has voiced his opposition, stating the ban would harm creators and small businesses financially. The bill allows TikTok 165 days post-signature by President Joe Biden to legally challenge the decision, a step Biden has indicated he is prepared to take.
The stance in Washington, especially during an election year, appears to be hardening against China, with the bill’s passage reflecting a growing consensus on the need for action. Yet, concerns about the impact on younger voters and potential job losses have been raised.
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Reuters also covers international reactions, noting the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s criticism of the US actions as unfounded with respect to national security threats. Prominent Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have voiced concerns over the bill’s implications for antitrust and privacy, alongside its national security rationale.
The possibility of divesting TikTok’s US assets within the stipulated timeframe remains uncertain, especially considering China’s likely stance on such a sale. Should ByteDance fail to comply, major app stores would be prohibited from offering TikTok, echoing past attempts by the Trump administration to restrict Chinese-owned apps like WeChat, which faced legal hurdles.
Critics of the bill, including the American Civil Liberties Union, argue it infringes on free speech rights, further complicating the legal landscape.
As reported by Reuters, this legislative push against TikTok reflects deepening US-China tensions and the intricate web of economic, legal, and political challenges surrounding technology and national security.
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