Legislation that could ban TikTok in the U.S. unless it cuts ties with its Chinese parent company is on its way to President Joe Biden’s desk. The bill, which has bipartisan support, would require TikTok to divest from China-based ByteDance within one year, or face a nationwide ban. A similar bill passed in the House in March and is now being packaged with foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, ensuring its passage into law. President Biden has indicated his willingness to sign the package, which includes other national security priorities like the REPO Act and sanctions against Iran.
Concerns over the potential ban stem from national security fears that the Chinese Communist Party may be using TikTok to spy on American users, spread disinformation, and manipulate elections. While TikTok has argued that the bill would violate the First Amendment rights of its users and harm small businesses, lawmakers are pushing forward to prevent these security threats. The Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act would allow the president to designate social media apps controlled by foreign adversaries as national security threats, banning them from online stores and services unless they sever ties with those entities.
The revised TikTok bill would extend the divestiture period to nine months, with the possibility of a 90-day extension, providing a longer timeline for compliance. Senate Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell, who oversees the bill in the Senate, supported the changes as necessary to ensure the success of the divestiture. While there is significant bipartisan support for the legislation in both chambers, some lawmakers have raised concerns about limiting free speech. Progressive Rep. Jamaal Bowman and others argue that an outright ban of TikTok would disproportionately harm working-class individuals, including many people of color. They advocate for comprehensive social media safety legislation that protects all platforms from overreach by Big Tech companies.
The bill is seen as a proactive measure to address potential threats to national security posed by foreign-controlled social media apps like TikTok. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are working together to ensure the passage of the legislation, despite concerns about free speech rights. While TikTok has been a popular platform for engaging with users, especially during the pandemic, the risks associated with its Chinese parent company have raised alarms among policymakers. By passing the TikTok bill, lawmakers aim to protect American citizens from potential espionage, disinformation, and election interference.
The fast-track process for the TikTok bill reflects the urgency with which lawmakers view the threats posed by the social media app. By combining the bill with foreign aid for key allies, lawmakers are providing a comprehensive approach to national security challenges. While concerns about potential economic impacts and free speech rights remain, the primary focus for lawmakers is on safeguarding American citizens from foreign adversaries who may seek to exploit social media platforms for harmful purposes. The bill represents a bipartisan effort to address these threats and protect the interests of the United States in the digital age.
