TikTok loses another battle in the US as Senate clears bill to ban the app

Once signed by the President, ByteDance will have 9 months to sell TikTok

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Published onApril 24, 2024

published onApril 24, 2024

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In a blow to TikTok, the US Senate passed a controversial bill that seeks to ban the app by 360-58. It is now headed to US PresidentJoe Biden, who has previously committed to signing the bill.

Lawmakers in the US tied the bill with foreign aid packages to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, amongst other allies, which led to it being taken up earlier than expected.

Lawmakers have previously raised concerns about TikTok sharing data of its US users with the Chinese government, owing to the national security law in China. ByteDance has repeatedly refuted the allegations.

Once the bill is signed by the US President, ByteDance will have 9 months to divest investments in TikTok or face a nationwide ban. If there’s progress, the President has the power to grant an additional 3 months, taking the total to 12 months.

According toThe Verge,Maria Cantwell, Senate Commerce Committee Chair, highlighted the national security aspect of the bill, citing that it would prevent espionage and surveillance.

Mark Warner, Senate Intelligence Committee Chair, said,

TikTok set to take the fight to court

Even though the bill has been passed by the US Senate and is expected to be soon signed by the President, TikTok isn’t easily going to cede to the demands. As reported inBloomberg, TikTok is planning to approach the US courts.

In a memo to the staff,Michael Beckerman, Head of Public Policy at TikTok, said

If TikTok obtains an injunction from the court, ByteDance won’t be forced to sell its stake, and the app can operate in the US for at least another few years.

TikTok had previouslyurged users in the US for supportin its fight against the bill. Users across the US received notifications on the phone encouraging them to call their representatives and voice their opinions against the bill.

Experts believe that TikTok and the US government are headed for a prolonged legal battle, as it happened under the previous administration when efforts were made to ban TikTok and WeChat.

Do you believe TikTok will be banned in the US? Share your views with our readers in the comments section.

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TikTok loses another battle in the US as Senate clears bill to ban the app

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