A controversial bill is making its way to the floor of the House, with potential implications for the popular video-sharing app TikTok in the United States. The bill, which has raised concerns about TikTok's ties to China, was unanimously passed by a key committee. Owned by ByteDance, TikTok's association with the Chinese government has sparked worries among lawmakers.
If the bill becomes law, ByteDance will have 165 days to sell TikTok or face a ban from U.S. app stores. Democratic Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, a key figure in the bipartisan effort to regulate TikTok, highlighted the bipartisan support for the legislation.
The Energy and Commerce Committee's unanimous approval of the bill signals deep bipartisan concern over a foreign entity controlling a platform that has become a significant source of information for many Americans, particularly those under 30. Congressman Gottheimer emphasized the potential for TikTok to spread disinformation, given its ties to the Chinese government.
While TikTok has denied sharing American data with the Chinese government, concerns persist about the app's data collection practices. The Congressman referenced public instances, such as the FTC's fine against TikTok for collecting information from users under 13 years old.
President Biden has expressed support for the bill, signaling a potential path to enactment if it passes through the House and Senate. The legislation specifically targets apps linked to foreign adversaries like Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, aiming to safeguard national security interests.
Addressing concerns about free speech implications, Congressman Gottheimer clarified that the bill is narrowly focused on apps associated with foreign adversaries. He underscored the need to prevent the spread of disinformation and protect national security interests, emphasizing the importance of regulating platforms with ties to potential threats.
The bill's journey through the legislative process reflects growing bipartisan consensus on the need to address national security risks posed by foreign-controlled apps like TikTok. As the debate continues, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, pending further legislative action.
