Lawmakers in the United States have successfully passed a bill that could force TikTok, the popular video app, to be sold by its Chinese owner, ByteDance, or face a ban. This move comes after concerns were raised about the app’s ties to China and the potential national security risks it poses.
The bill, which was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, marks a significant victory for a small group of lawmakers who worked behind the scenes to craft the legislation. The effort, which was kept secret to avoid interference from TikTok’s lobbying efforts, involved collaboration with the Justice Department and the White House to ensure the bill’s success.
The lawmakers behind the bill were able to garner bipartisan support and navigate the complex legal and political landscape to push the legislation through at a remarkable speed. The bill, which could result in a wide ban of a foreign app for the first time in Congress, has the potential to reshape the future of TikTok in the United States.
Despite pushback from TikTok, including a $3 million ad campaign and support from various groups, the bill ultimately passed with overwhelming support in the Senate. President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law soon, signaling a new chapter for TikTok and its millions of American users.
