US Congress Moves Ahead on Bill to Push TikTok s Chinese Owner to Sell: The House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill that would force ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese owner, to sell the social media app or face a ban in the U.S.
Legislative Package: The bill is included in a larger legislative package worth $95 billion, which aims to provide aid to allies such as Ukraine and Israel. This inclusion marks a significant step forward in the efforts to address concerns
ByteDance Given a Year: The proposed bill would give ByteDance a year to sell TikTok, a notable extension from the previous proposal that allowed only six months for the sale. Maria Cantwell's support for the bill increases
National Security Concerns: Lawmakers and the Biden administration have raised concerns about TikTok's potential national security risks, citing the possibility of China accessing user data.
Legislative Intent: Maria Cantwell has emphasized the need for legislation that addresses broad concerns about foreign apps and holds up in court. She advocates for robust tools to address national security risks associated
Free Speech Concerns: TikTok argues that restrictions on the app would violate users' right to free speech, as protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The company also highlights the impact on American businesses
TikTok's Response: A spokesperson for TikTok expressed disappointment with the House's decision to push the bill through, criticizing the use of foreign and humanitarian assistance as cover.