Zhang Yiming originally created TikTok as a doom-scrolling app for “jobless and unstable people.” Years later, it's living up to its purpose and has become a huge source of entertainment for most people—or a big distraction.
In a move reflecting heightened national security concerns, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill targeting the popular video-sharing app. The legislation, passed by a vote of 352-65, could lead to a nationwide ban if the platform's China-based owner, ByteDance, fails to sell off its stake. Here's more information on the bill and what it means for users.
Tiktok's CEO urges Americans to fight for rights
On Wednesday, the 13th of March, the American House of Representatives passed a Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. Lawmakers worry that ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, ties to the Chinese government and poses a security risk. There's the potential of allowing access to users’ data. The bill's fate now rests with the Senate and means a potential ban for the app. President Joe Biden indicated that he will sign it.
On Thursday, after the House passed the bill, CEO Shou Chew released a TikTok video urging users to defend their constitutional rights. He also hinted at legal action if the bill becomes law. It wants to force ByteDance's hand to sell the app to a US entity within six months or face a ban.
We will not stop fighting and advocating for you. We will continue to do all we can, including exercising our legal rights to protect this amazing platform that we have built with you. We believe we can overcome this together. I encourage you to keep sharing your stories. Share them with your friends. Share them with your family. Share them with your Senators. Protect your constitutional rights. Make your voices heard.
Shou Chew, CEO of ByteDance.
That same Wednesday, a push notification went out to US users warning them of a potential threat to the constitutional right of free expression. The alert featured a shortcut for users to dial their representative's office.
Will Tiktok survive the challenge ahead of it?
Recall that TikTok has previously faced state-level bans. In 2020, Ex-President Donald Trump tried to ban TikTok through an executive order, which prompted talks for Microsoft and Oracle, among other companies, to potentially buy it. Then, in 2022, TikTok launched Project Texas to improve data security and check its algorithms.
The Biden administration got involved in February 2023, taking steps to regulate TikTok. TikTok's CEO defended the company in court before Congress in March of that year. In May 2023, Montana passed a law to ban TikTok, but a federal judge stopped it from happening.
The current bill may be the biggest threat the app has faced over the years. Chew now calls for its 170 million US users to fight against representatives placing the ban. He argues that banning TikTok would empower other social media platforms and harm thousands of American jobs and businesses.
In his TikTok video, Chew assures users that the company behind the popular app has been working hard to keep your information safe. They promise to continue, even when the new law comes in.
