The global impact of a possible ban
Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:11 am
This is not the first time the Chinese micro-video giant has taken on the US government: in January 2023, the US House of Representatives banned its employees from using TikTok on federal government devices , citing the Chinese government's influence on the viral video app.
In addition to this, in May 2023, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed a law banning TikTok in that state starting in 2024, in order to protect its residents from alleged data collection by the Chinese government through this application.
While the House vote was a significant step, TikTok’s ultimate fate remains to be determined. While President Biden has signaled his support for the bill, its passage in the Senate is not guaranteed.
As lawmakers debate national security and free speech online, millions of TikTok users around the world are watching closely, aware that the outcome of this battle could have a lasting impact on the social media landscape and the relationship between China and the United States.
Rep. Mike Gallagher , the bill's author, said as he left the united states of america number data briefing that "what we've tried to do here is be very thoughtful and deliberate about the need to force a sale of TikTok without giving any authority to the executive branch to regulate content or go after any American company."
Resistance and concerns
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has expressed opposition to the legislation, saying its passage would mean a total ban on TikTok in the United States , which he views as an attack on Americans' constitutional right to free speech.
However, there are many uncertainties surrounding this legislative measure. It remains to be seen whether China would be willing to approve the sale of TikTok's US assets within the stipulated six-month period. If this divestment were not carried out, major app stores operated by giants such as Apple and Google would be legally prevented from offering TikTok or web hosting services to apps controlled by ByteDance.
The US-TikTok standoff reflects the growing tensions between two of the world’s largest powers, as well as the unique challenges posed by the digital age. As the battle continues to play out in Congress and beyond, it remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved and what impact it will have on TikTok’s future and international relations.
In addition to this, in May 2023, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed a law banning TikTok in that state starting in 2024, in order to protect its residents from alleged data collection by the Chinese government through this application.
While the House vote was a significant step, TikTok’s ultimate fate remains to be determined. While President Biden has signaled his support for the bill, its passage in the Senate is not guaranteed.
As lawmakers debate national security and free speech online, millions of TikTok users around the world are watching closely, aware that the outcome of this battle could have a lasting impact on the social media landscape and the relationship between China and the United States.
Rep. Mike Gallagher , the bill's author, said as he left the united states of america number data briefing that "what we've tried to do here is be very thoughtful and deliberate about the need to force a sale of TikTok without giving any authority to the executive branch to regulate content or go after any American company."
Resistance and concerns
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has expressed opposition to the legislation, saying its passage would mean a total ban on TikTok in the United States , which he views as an attack on Americans' constitutional right to free speech.
However, there are many uncertainties surrounding this legislative measure. It remains to be seen whether China would be willing to approve the sale of TikTok's US assets within the stipulated six-month period. If this divestment were not carried out, major app stores operated by giants such as Apple and Google would be legally prevented from offering TikTok or web hosting services to apps controlled by ByteDance.
The US-TikTok standoff reflects the growing tensions between two of the world’s largest powers, as well as the unique challenges posed by the digital age. As the battle continues to play out in Congress and beyond, it remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved and what impact it will have on TikTok’s future and international relations.