US Senate passes bill forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok
The US Senate has passed a bill that could force ByteDance, the China-based parent company of TikTok, to relinquish its ownership of the popular social media platform. This legislation is part of a larger foreign aid package, and now awaits President Joe Biden's approval. The House of Representatives had previously approved the foreign aid package, which includes the TikTok bill.
Bytedance will have a year to sell TikTok
Once Biden gives his assent, ByteDance will have a year to either sell TikTok or face a ban in the US. The legislation permits ByteDance an initial nine months to finalize a sale, with a possible three-month extension at the President's discretion if progress toward a deal is evident. However, potential legal obstacles could delay the enforcement of this mandate.
House had twice voted in favor of the TikTok legislation
The Senate's approval of the bill followed strategic political maneuvers in the House. The House had twice voted in favor of the TikTok legislation, initially as a standalone step with a shorter divestment period of six months. By incorporating it into a high-priority foreign aid package, the House expedited Senate consideration and garnered more support by extending the timeline for a deal.
Concerns about potential data security risks
Lawmakers and intelligence officials have expressed concerns about potential data security risks for US users, due to TikTok's ownership by a China-based company. Despite TikTok being headquartered in Singapore and asserting that it does not store US data in China, there are still apprehensions about possible Chinese government influence over content viewed by US users. These concerns stem from Chinese national security laws, that can force companies based there to surrender internal information.
'Have to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage'
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell emphasized that "Congress is not acting to punish ByteDance, TikTok or any other individual company." She stated that the aim is to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage and harming Americans. Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner voiced concerns about Chinese companies being more beholden to the PRC government, than their customers or shareholders. This could result in potential misuse of a platform used by nearly half of Americans.
'Bill not an effort to take away voice of Americans'
Warner took issue with TikTok's proposed data governance solution, Project Texas, calling it insufficient. He stated that "Project Texas would still allow TikTok's algorithm, source code, and development activities to remain in China," under the control of ByteDance, and subject to Chinese government exploitation. Despite concerns from young Americans about losing access to TikTok due to this legislation, Warner assured that "this is not an effort to take your voice away."
