The United States Senate has recently passed a bill that compels ByteDance, the parent company of the widely used video-sharing platform TikTok, to divest ownership of the app. Failure to comply will result in a nationwide prohibition on TikTok.
This legislation, combined with a foreign aid package earmarked for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, garnered significant support with a vote of 79-18 in the Senate. However, it still awaits the signature of President Joe Biden, which is widely anticipated.
While this decision may significantly impact content creators who rely on TikTok for their livelihoods, it is aimed at mitigating perceived national security risks. Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican representing Florida, voiced support for the move, criticizing the previous oversight that allowed a Chinese company to control such a popular American app.
TikTok, on the other hand, maintains that it has not compromised the safety or privacy of its American users. The company contends that a potential ban would infringe upon the free speech rights of its American user base. Though the company has not issued public statements, it assured its employees that it would contest the decision.
An internal email from TikTok to its staff, as reported by Reuters, affirmed their commitment to challenge the legislation on grounds of First Amendment rights. Despite the passage of the bill, President Biden has signaled his intention to sign it into law, expected to occur on Wednesday.