US Congress Passes Bill Targeting TikTok Amid Security Concerns
The US Congress has taken a significant step by approving a bill aimed at banning TikTok, citing concerns over national security. Lawmakers argue that the popular social network could potentially compromise sensitive user data to the Chinese government, given its ties to parent company ByteDance.
CNN reported the passing of the bill, which received support from 352 Congress members. However, 65 opposed it, including 15 Republicans and 50 Democrats, with one member abstaining.
The proponents of the bill highlight TikTok’s alleged threat to national security, emphasizing the potential for the Chinese government to access and exploit user data through ByteDance.
On March 5, the draft of the Protecting Americans from Controlled Applications of Foreign Adversaries Act emerged, proposing that ByteDance divest TikTok within approximately five months. Failure to comply could result in removal from major app platforms such as the Apple App Store and Google Play.
If enacted, the bill would mandate TikTok’s separation from ByteDance within the specified timeframe.
In response to the congressional vote, TikTok’s administration expressed discontent and urged the Senate to carefully assess the situation. China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the bill’s advancement as an “act of intimidation.”
TikTok, boasting a user base of 170 million Americans, stands as one of the world’s most widely used social networks.
