The latest House legislation would demand that TikTok separate from its parent company ByteDance, or else face a potential ban in the United States.
Unfortunately, individuals like Kim Pham may soon lose access to TikTok, a popular social media platform where viral videos can attract a vast audience, as it serves as a valuable marketing tool for her noodle business.
Pham stated that a possible ban on TikTok would not be immediately detrimental, however the platform plays a significant role in how we connect with consumers in a unique and valuable manner.
For months, lawmakers have warned of national security concerns posed by TikTok’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Last May, Montana to
was the first state in the country tostill facing legal challenges.
A recently introduced bill in the House, supported by both parties, will be evaluated by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce this Thursday. This proposed legislation would mandate that TikTok…to divest
The U.S. has threatened to ban the app from its stores if its Chinese owner, ByteDance, does not comply.
Representative Raja Krishnamoorth from Illinois, a sponsor of the bill, urged ByteDance to divest TikTok in order to allow its American users to continue enjoying their dance videos, bad lip syncs, and other content. This statement was made during a news conference on Wednesday.
There is increasing concern that the Chinese government could obtain the personal information that TikTok collects from its users.
Republican Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers from Washington stated to CBS News that the decision is ultimately in the hands of TikTok. She emphasized that the app has the option to either continue under ByteDance, a company known to be under the control of the Chinese Communist Party, or to make a different choice.
The CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, claims that the company has implemented protective measures, such as firewalls, to safeguard user data. In a recent social media statement, the company expressed opposition to the proposed regulations from Congress.
According to the statement, this bill completely prohibits the use of TikTok, despite attempts by its creators to mask it. It suggests that the First Amendment rights of 170 million individuals will be infringed upon and that 5 million small companies will lose access to a vital platform for their growth and job creation.
On Wednesday, Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York, who is a member of the Democratic Party, also voiced his opposition to the bill.
Bowman expressed concern that the hasty decision to prohibit TikTok sets a harmful example for our nation, disregarding our right to express ourselves and diverting our attention from the true problem at hand: safeguarding the personal information and privacy of American citizens.
Scott MacFarlane
Source: cbsnews.com