SOCIAL MEDIA
Is there a TikTok ban bill included in the foreign aid package? How could it affect users?
TikTok, the short-form video app, has found itself in the center of a political tug-of-war that could be set to end next week.
A new package of legislation, ostensibly aimed at military aid for Ukraine and Israel, has some rather unrelated additions; namely, a ban on social media app TikTok.
The House of Representatives already passed a bill in March that could lead to a ban on the site. The legislation, framed as a “sell-or-be-banned” measure, gave ByteDance a set timeframe to sell its ownership of TikTok to a US company.
While the original bill had a six-month deadline for TikTok to be sold, the revised legislation would give nine months and a possible further three-month extension to ensure a buyer could be found.
“It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually,” remarked Alex Haurek, a spokesman for TikTok.
However, should the ban become a reality, the consequences for users would be significant. A complete ban would make TikTok inaccessible within the US. Millions who use the app for entertainment, education, or even income generation through content creation would be left scrambling for alternatives.
The potential impact extends beyond individual users. Small businesses heavily reliant on TikTok marketing could face challenges reaching their audience. Artists and creators who’ve built their online presence on the platform might need to start afresh elsewhere.
Why is TikTok in the firing line?
The crux of the issue lies in ownership. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese tech company. Lawmakers have raised concerns about user data security, particularly the possibility of the Chinese government accessing it. This has fueled anxieties about national security and potential misuse of personal information, especially in an age where the US government has targeted China as its main adversary.