A legislative move requiring China-based company ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a potential US ban on the platform is close to becoming law, following the Senate’s approval of a foreign aid package containing the provision.
The bill now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature, with a commitment from him to sign it once it clears both chambers of Congress. Over the weekend, the House approved the foreign aid package, which includes the TikTok bill.
Once approved by the President, ByteDance will have up to a year to divest TikTok or risk the platform being effectively banned in the US.
Initially set at nine months, the divestment period allows the president to extend it by three months in case of progress toward a sale. However, potential legal challenges might delay the enforcement of the ban.
Strategic maneuvers in the House paved the way for the Senate’s decision, with the TikTok legislation endorsed twice in the House.
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell emphasized that the aim of Congress is not to penalize ByteDance, TikTok, or any individual company, but rather to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage and harming Americans.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner highlighted concerns about Chinese companies’ obligations to the Chinese government and the potential for manipulation of social media platforms. He assured TikTok’s American user base that the legislation aims to protect consumers and not silence their voices.
President Biden intends to swiftly sign the bill into law to expedite aid to Ukraine, underscoring the urgency of the legislation.
Reports suggest that TikTok has informed its employees of plans to legally challenge the law if enacted.
