The Reason Behind U.S.’s Ultimatum to TikTok: Sale or Ban
TL/DR –
The US government has passed legislation that bans TikTok unless its Chinese owner ByteDance sells it to a government-approved buyer due to fears of sensitive user data access by the Chinese government. The ban targets app stores and internet hosting companies, potentially imposing civil penalties on them for distributing or maintaining TikTok, and has sparked speculation about potential buyers. Opposition to the move has arisen with digital rights advocates arguing it undermines the US’s promotion of an open and free internet that is not controlled by individual countries.
US Legislation Enforces TikTok Sale Fearing Chinese Government Access to Sensitive Data
The Chinese government’s potential access to sensitive user data through TikTok, owned by Chinese firm, ByteDance, has led the US government to pass legislation banning the platform unless it’s sold to a government-approved buyer.
President Biden Signs Legislation Leading to Increased Pressure on TikTok
President Biden signed legislation into law on Wednesday, providing ByteDance with a year to divest from TikTok, with the U.S. Senate endorsing the move.
Concerns Over Chinese Government’s Access to Sensitive User Data
Western lawmakers and regulators worry TikTok’s parent company may hand over sensitive user data to the Chinese government. The fear is also that China might utilize TikTok’s content recommendations to disseminate misinformation, a rising concern in the US during political events.
TikTok Ban Mechanism and Potential Buyers
The ban primarily targets app stores such as Apple and Google. Internet hosting companies are also prohibited from distributing or maintaining TikTok. This has brought about potential buyers speculation including investors led by former Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, large American corporations, or private equity firms.
Likely Legal Challenges to TikTok Ban
While TikTok is still accessible in the US, the legislation is projected to encounter legal challenges. These issues might take substantial time to be resolved. Such a ban could face First Amendment legal challenges, given that major news organizations and elected officials now produce videos on TikTok.
Biden’s Stance on TikTok Sale and Local Level Actions
The Biden administration has desired TikTok’s Chinese owner to sell the app since last year, according to the company. Despite this, Biden’s re-election campaign made a debut on the app during the Super Bowl. At the local level, more than 30 states and New York City have joined the federal government in banning TikTok on government-issued devices.
TikTok’s Response to the Bans and Data Privacy Measures
TikTok labelled the bans as “political theatre” and criticized lawmakers for trying to censor Americans. The company also urged users to oppose a TikTok ban. As for privacy, users can avoid giving apps access to personal data and can watch TikTok without opening an account.
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