A bill to force the Chinese company ByteDance, the owner of the immensely popular TikTok video-sharing app, to sell it or risk having it banned in the country, has received support from the U.S. House of Representatives. The battle for control over technology that could have a big impact on social media, freedom of speech, and national security has intensified between Beijing and Washington as a result of this occurrence.
The Bill and Its Implications
Across party lines, the bill received strong support, demonstrating a shared determination to take on China during an election year. The Act cleared the House with a resounding majority of 352-65, moving through the chamber swiftly and with little debate.
This action takes place in the midst of the Biden administration’s efforts to persuade lawmakers of the possible national security threats posed by Chinese control of the platform, as well as in spite of TikTok’s attempts to mobilize its 170 million American users against the measure[1].
Bipartisan Support
The bill’s bipartisan support indicates that both Republican and Democratic leaders are eager to adopt a strong position against China.
“The action witnessed today is indicative of a growing consensus in Washington about the need to address the challenges posed by China’s technological advancement,” said an analyst.
Karine Jean-Pierre, press secretary for the White House, praised this action and emphasized the significance of the legislation[3].
Impact on U.S.-China Relations
Should this bill become law, it would likely intensify the ongoing tech cold war between the U.S. and China. The control of significant technologies is at the heart of this conflict, with implications for national security and freedom of speech.
TikTok’s Response
TikTok has attempted to organize its enormous American user base against the law. The results of these efforts are yet unknown, though.
TikTok, which disputes giving Beijing access to user data from the United States, has started a campaign alerting users to the possibility of the app being blocked in the country.
Legislators received a barrage of phone calls from irate TikTok users, pleading with them not to support the bill.
According to the corporation, millions of businesses, artists, and creators will be impacted by the legislation’s ultimate result—a complete ban on TikTok in the US[2].
National Security Concerns
The Biden administration has been working hard to convince Congress that the United States faces grave national security threats as a result of China’s ownership of TikTok. These worries are a result of the enormous volume of user data that TikTok gathers, which many believe the Chinese government may be able to access.
Lawmakers stressed how important it is to keep foreign foes from accessing American data.
Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) stated that TikTok should not be used by Beijing China to sway American opinion.
The significance of the Act for national security was emphasized by Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI), particularly in light of TikTok’s prominence as the go-to news source for young Americans.
The Road Ahead
The bill now goes to the Senate after being approved by the House. It will next go to the president for his signature if it is also passed there. These actions are necessary for it to become law.
A major turning point in the ongoing tech cold war between the United States and China has been reached with the House’s passage of this bill. The stakes are really high, even though it’s unclear how this will work out in the upcoming days and weeks. TikTok’s viability and, more generally, the governance of essential technologies are in jeopardy.
A bill approved by the US House of Representatives may have a big effect on millions of Americans’ use of the well-known video-sharing app TikTok.
The salient points to remember are as follows:
- The Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act is a law that attempts to solve issues with social media apps that are under the control of foreign adversaries.
A. The Chinese parent firm of TikTok, ByteDance, would be required under this law to sell the platform within around five months or risk having its access to U.S. app stores and web hosting services blocked.
B. With a vote count of 352-65, the bill easily cleared the House with a two-thirds majority.
The Senate will now take it up for further discussion.
C. Assuming the bill passes Congress, President Joe Biden has stated that he would be happy to sign it.
