US House of Representatives Votes on Bill to Ban TikTok 

The US House of Representatives has passed legislation that could result in TikTok’s ban in the US unless it severs ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. TikTok is a popular social media platform used by 170 million Americans. TikTok is currently one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide, with over 1.7 billion users as of 2023. 

If enacted, TikTok would have about five months to disconnect from ByteDance, or face prohibition from US app stores. The bill’s fate in the US Senate remains uncertain. Supporters argue that TikTok poses national security risks due to potential data exploitation by the Chinese government, while TikTok criticises the decision and urges the Senate to assess the situation with factual evidence. China’s foreign ministry has strongly condemned the bill as an act of bullying.

 

 

The bill garnered 352 votes in favour, surpassing the necessary two-thirds majority. However, 65 members opposed it, with one voting present.

While the bill still awaits approval from the Senate, President Joe Biden expressed his readiness to sign it into law should it pass. 

Former President Trump is now opposing the ban. While ByteDance is specifically mentioned, the legislation could extend to other social media apps owned by companies from select foreign adversary countries.