Giving a real shape to the process of banning China‘s video sharing and social media application Tik Tok in the US, the US House of Representatives unanimously approved the bill to ban the social media application.
According to CNN, 360 members voted in favor of the bill in the US House of Representatives regarding the ban on TikTok, an application with more than 170 million American users, while on the contrary, only 58 members voted.
The bill is largely consistent with the bill passed a month ago in March, but it is more lenient than the previous bill in terms of banning applications and divesting from Chinese companies.
If signed into law on Saturday, the bill would then give TikTok 270 days to find a new owner to avoid the ban, while also giving the White House the power to If it feels that the company is really making practical efforts to find a new owner, it can extend this period by another 90 days.
TikTok had been lobbying against the bill for a long time to block its passage, arguing that the bill would harm consumer rights as well as endanger small businesses.
Earlier in March, a bill was passed to ban TikTok, which said that under this bill, TikTok’s parent company (main company) ‘Byte Dance’ has to sell the application within 180 days. Otherwise, it will be banned from the Apple and Google Play stores in the US.
The legislation is a major blow to TikTok, which has grown in popularity over the past few years but has been criticized by many Western countries over the video-sharing company’s ownership by a Chinese company and over-leaning by China’s Communist Party. They have expressed their concerns several times.
This bill is quite a surprise for TikTok because according to the Wall Street Journal, US President Joe Biden joined TikTok just two months ago in connection with his presidential campaign.
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Social Media Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. The recent unanimous vote by the US House of Representatives to ban TikTok has certainly sent ripples through the tech and social media landscape. What are your thoughts on the significance of this decision?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. The unanimous approval of the bill by 360 members is a remarkable indication of bipartisan concern over TikTok. It highlights a growing apprehension about data privacy and national security, particularly regarding foreign-owned applications that handle vast amounts of user data.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the main reasons cited for the need to ban TikTok?
**Dr. Carter:** Primarily, the concerns revolve around data privacy issues and the potential for user data to be accessed by the Chinese government, given TikTok’s ownership by the Chinese company ByteDance. Lawmakers argue that the app poses a risk to American users’ data, which could be exploited for various purposes. Additionally, there are worries about the content being disseminated and its influence on public opinion.
**Interviewer:** If the ban progresses, what impact do you foresee on American users and the broader social media landscape?
**Dr. Carter:** If the ban is implemented, approximately 100 million American TikTok users will be impacted. They will either have to find alternative platforms or adjust to new social media experiences. This could lead to a surge in user base for competitors like Instagram or YouTube. The broader implication may also spur discussions on regulations for social media companies and how user data is handled, possibly leading to stricter policies across the industry.
**Interviewer:** Do you think this sets a precedent for other apps or foreign companies operating in the US?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. This could pave the way for increased scrutiny on other foreign-owned apps, particularly if they are perceived as security threats. It raises important questions about digital sovereignty and how nations will manage foreign technology companies in the future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Carter. This is certainly a developing story to watch closely.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. It’s important for users to stay informed about these changes as they unfold.
