The fate of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance as the legislative process moves forward. After the House passed a bill mandating a sale of the popular video social media app by its Chinese owner, ByteDance, or face a ban, the focus now shifts to the Senate.
Several senators have raised concerns about the legislation, with some questioning its constitutionality. Senator Chuck Schumer has not indicated whether he will bring the bill up for a vote, while Senator Maria Cantwell is working to find a path forward that protects civil liberties.
If the bill becomes law, President Biden has stated he would sign it, but a ban on TikTok would not be immediate. ByteDance would have six months to find a buyer for the app, or face a ban on app stores offering TikTok for download.
The likelihood of a ban hinges on whether ByteDance can find a buyer willing to meet the likely high price tag, as well as potential complications with the Chinese government blocking a sale. Legal challenges could also delay a ban, as TikTok or others may challenge the legislation in court.
For existing TikTok users, the bill does not provide a way for the government to remove the app from smartphones, but restrictions on app stores and hosting services could degrade the service or cause it to stop working altogether. Users would be able to download their content before any potential ban takes effect.
As the future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, users and stakeholders will be closely watching the legislative process and potential outcomes in the coming months.
