Once more, TikTok finds itself under congressional scrutiny, with House Republicans introducing a contentious bill into a foreign aid package aimed at assisting Israel and Ukraine. If passed, this legislation could potentially result in a nationwide ban on TikTok.
House Republicans have strategically included a contentious bill targeting TikTok within a broader foreign aid package designed to assist Israel and Ukraine. Led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, they aim to swiftly push through a vote on this aid package, potentially as soon as Saturday. This move could expedite actions against TikTok, posing a significant threat to its US operations, comparable to previous attempts under former President Donald Trump’s administration.
Previously, a version of the TikTok bill easily passed through the House in March but encountered obstacles in the Senate. By attaching it to the aid package, House Republicans seek to compel the Senate to promptly address what they perceive as a necessary measure to safeguard Americans’ data from Chinese government influence. However, critics, including TikTok and various civil society groups, argue that the bill jeopardizes users’ First Amendment rights.
House Republicans’ maneuver aims to circumvent the usual legislative process, potentially expediting Senate consideration of the bill, which President Joe Biden has indicated he would support. The updated version of the bill extends the timeframe for ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest from its US operations to nine months, with an option for the president to grant a further 90-day extension if progress is made toward a sale.
These adjustments attempt to address concerns raised by some senators regarding the original bill’s six-month deadline. However, whether these revisions will garner Senate approval remains uncertain, with some senators advocating for a more deliberate approach.
Notably, Senator Maria Cantwell, who had reservations about the initial bill, expressed satisfaction with the extended divestment period, emphasizing the need for adequate time to facilitate a sale.
US policymakers have long harbored concerns over TikTok’s ties to China and its potential implications for national security. While TikTok refutes allegations of data sharing with the Chinese government, proposing measures such as relocating US user data to Oracle servers, some experts advocate for a broader approach, such as enacting a national privacy law to regulate data handling practices across all organizations.
Read More: US House panel passes bill that may lead to TikTok ban or sale
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