TikTok’s Fate Sealed: US Congress Passes Bill For Sale Or Ban, What’s Next?

TikTok
(Last Updated On: April 24, 2024)

Key Highlights

  • US legislation demands ByteDance sell TikTok over security concerns
  • TikTok plans to contest the legislation in court
  • TikTok could be removed from US app stores if ByteDance doesn’t comply

In a significant move, the US Senate has passed a bill mandating the sale of TikTok, a popular social media platform owned by Chinese company ByteDance. This legislation is part of a larger foreign aid package totaling $95 billion, which includes military support for countries like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Also Read | Four Banned Apps In India That Should Make A Comeback

Why The Legislation?

TikTok

The main reason behind this legislation is concern over TikTok’s ownership and its potential threat to national security. With over 170 million users in the United States alone, there are worries that the Chinese government could access user data and use the platform for surveillance or propaganda purposes.

What The Legislation Entails

The bill requires ByteDance to sell off its TikTok operations in the US within about nine months, with a possible three-month extension if needed. The aim is to prevent any potential exploitation of user data or manipulation of content by the Chinese government.

TikTok’s Response

TikTok is expected to challenge the constitutionality of the legislation through legal means. They may seek a preliminary injunction to halt enforcement while the case is being considered in court, as they’ve done in the past when facing similar restrictions from US authorities.

Impact On Users

For now, TikTok users in the US won’t see any immediate changes. The app will continue to operate as usual, serving content tailored to individual preferences. However, if the divestiture goes through, there may be changes in the ownership structure or policies in the future.

Consequences Of Non-compliance

TikTok

If ByteDance fails to sell TikTok within the given timeframe and no legal injunctions are in place, the app could be removed from major US app stores. This would limit new downloads and potentially affect the functionality of existing installations, impacting both users and businesses.

Also Read | How To Get Popular Creator Badge/Verified on MX TakaTak App – Step By Step Process Explained

Chinese Government’s View

China opposes the forced sale of TikTok and sees it as another strain on US-China relations. They may also complicate the sale by regulating technology exports, including the algorithms used by TikTok, adding further complexity to negotiations.

Conclusion

The legislation targeting TikTok reflects growing concerns about data security and foreign influence in the digital sphere. While the future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain, the legal and diplomatic battles surrounding it are likely to continue for some time.

About Shweta Srivastava

Say hello to Shweta, a tech fan who's hooked on keeping up with all things tech. When she's not exploring the latest gadgets, she's diving into a good book, clicking photos as an amateur photographer, or enjoying classic movies and music. With her love for both tech and creativity, Shweta adds her own touch to tech news in a way that's easy to understand and enjoy.

View all posts by Shweta Srivastava →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *