A new bipartisan bill presented by US lawmakers has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, as it threatens to force Chinese tech giant ByteDance to divest from the popular video-sharing app TikTok within six months or risk facing a ban.
The bill, named the “Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” has garnered attention from both sides of the aisle, with 19 bipartisan lawmakers introducing it in response to growing concerns about national security risks posed by Chinese-controlled applications.
Under the proposed legislation, ByteDance is given a strict ultimatum: either sell off TikTok within 165 days or face a potential ban. The bill establishes a framework for the president, with assistance from intelligence agencies, to classify social media platforms controlled by foreign adversaries as national security threats.
Representative Mike Gallagher, the Republican chairman of the House select China committee, and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, the panel’s top Democrat, co-authored the bill. They emphasized the urgency of addressing the risks posed by TikTok, especially considering recent visits to Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking to reporters, Gallagher clarified that the bill is not a ban but rather a necessary action to address national security concerns. He urged ByteDance investors to support a sale, likening the move to a “surgery designed to remove the tumor and save the patient.”
However, TikTok has vehemently opposed the bill, labeling it as an “outright ban” that would infringe on the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans and impact small businesses relying on the platform for growth.
Despite TikTok’s objections, the White House has expressed strong support for the bipartisan proposal, signaling a united front in addressing the risks associated with foreign-controlled technology services. The administration views the bill as a crucial step in safeguarding Americans’ sensitive data and overall national security.
TikTok’s popularity in the US has soared in recent years, particularly among younger demographics. However, the app has faced continuous scrutiny and attempts to restrict its operations, including former President Donald Trump’s unsuccessful efforts in 2020.
Sources By Agencies
