US Congress passes bill that may result in TikTok being banned

The US Senate has passed a bill that could potentially lead to the banning of popular social media app TikTok in America due to national security concerns. The bill gives TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, nine months to sell its stake in the app or face being blocked in the United States.

US President Joe Biden has indicated that he will sign the bill into law once it reaches his desk. This move comes after concerns that TikTok could be used to spy on Americans or spread propaganda, with the US government worried about the data gathered by the app falling into the hands of the Chinese government.

TikTok has not yet responded to the news, but previously stated that it would oppose any attempts to force a sale of the app. The company has always contested claims that it poses a threat to national security.

The legislation also includes provisions for military aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other US partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The bill had widespread support from lawmakers, with 79 Senators voting in favor and 18 against.

The potential ban on TikTok has sparked debate about civil liberties and free speech rights, with TikTok arguing that the bill would have a devastating impact on businesses and the US economy. The company has vowed to protect the platform through legal means and has launched a lobbying campaign to rally support against the ban.

As the situation unfolds, experts predict a prolonged legal battle that could take up to two years to resolve. The fate of TikTok in the US remains uncertain as the app’s future hangs in the balance.