House lawmakers are expected to vote on legislation aimed at forcing ByteDance, the Chinese internet company, to sell its popular social media app TikTok. The vote, scheduled to start at around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, is the latest development in the ongoing cold war between the United States and China over control of valuable technology.
Lawmakers and the White House have expressed concerns that TikTok’s Chinese ownership poses a national security risk, as Beijing could potentially access Americans’ data or run disinformation campaigns through the app. The bill, introduced by Representative Mike Gallagher and Senator Mark Warner, has bipartisan support and aims to address these concerns.
If the House passes the bill, it will face an uncertain future in the Senate, with Democratic leader Chuck Schumer yet to commit to bringing it up for a vote. The bill would require ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months to a buyer approved by the U.S. government, ensuring that ByteDance no longer has control over the app or its algorithms.
However, selling TikTok may not be easy for ByteDance, given its large user base and potential price tag. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Meta could potentially afford to buy TikTok, but the Biden administration has been wary of allowing these companies to grow larger through acquisitions.
Former President Donald J. Trump’s recent opposition to the legislation has added a new political dimension to the debate, with free speech groups also expressing concerns about the potential ban. If the bill becomes law, app stores like Apple and Google could face civil penalties for distributing or updating TikTok, potentially limiting users’ access to the app.
The outcome of the vote and the implications for TikTok’s future remain uncertain, as the U.S. government continues to navigate the complex relationship between national security concerns and the global tech industry.
