Senate Approves Legislation Requiring TikTok’s Parent Company to Sell or Risk Ban, Awaits Biden’s Approval | KWKT

Senate Passes Legislation to Force Sale of TikTok, Faces Legal Challenges

In a bold move by U.S. lawmakers, the Senate passed legislation on Tuesday that would require TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the popular social media platform or face a ban. The legislation, included in a larger $95 billion package providing foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel, passed with a 79-18 vote and is now awaiting President Joe Biden’s signature.

The bill gives ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, with a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress. It also prohibits the company from controlling TikTok’s algorithm, which has been a key factor in the platform’s success.

The passage of the legislation reflects bipartisan concerns over Chinese threats and the ownership of TikTok, which is used by 170 million Americans. Lawmakers fear that Chinese authorities could access U.S. user data or influence content on the platform.

While some argue that a comprehensive federal data privacy law would better protect consumers, supporters of the bill emphasize the need to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage and harming Americans.

TikTok, which has denied being a security threat, is preparing to challenge the legislation in court. The company has had success with legal challenges in the past, including blocking a Montana law that would ban TikTok and overturning an executive order by former President Donald Trump to ban the platform.

As the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, content creators who rely on the platform for income are voicing their concerns. Some creators gathered in front of the Capitol building to protest the legislation, highlighting the impact it could have on their livelihoods.

The battle over TikTok’s ownership and future continues, with legal challenges and debates over national security and free speech at the forefront. The outcome of this legislation could have far-reaching implications for the social media landscape and the rights of users and creators alike.