President Joe Biden signed a potential ban into law this week, requiring ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to sell the popular video-sharing app to a U.S.-approved buyer within nine months. However, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has vowed to fight the ban in court, stating that the company is confident in its legal position and expects to prevail.
The ban was added to a foreign aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan by House Republicans, citing concerns over TikTok’s growing influence and data security issues. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed worries about the app’s ties to China and the potential for data sharing with the Chinese government.
Despite the ban, TikTok’s 170 million users in the U.S. will not see any immediate disruption. Even if a ban is implemented, current users will still have access to the app, but it will no longer be available for download in app stores or receive updates.
The sale of TikTok to a U.S. buyer remains uncertain, as China is unlikely to approve the sale due to its control over the app’s algorithm. In the past, potential buyers like Microsoft, Walmart, and Oracle have shown interest in acquiring TikTok, but deals have fallen through.
As the battle over TikTok continues, users may turn to alternative short-form video platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, Facebook and Instagram Stories, and Snapchat Spotlight. The future of TikTok and its billion users worldwide remains uncertain as the legal and political drama unfolds.