TrendTrackersNews

China’s ByteDance doesn’t sell the popular music video app

If China’s ByteDance does not sell TikTok, people in the United States may be unable to use the popular app in a few months.a bill

The bill, which aims to compel ByteDance, the app’s parent company in Beijing, to divest its ownership, has been approved. However, the fate of the popular video app will be determined by its ability to overcome various obstacles.

Legislators have been attempting to control the platform for a significant period of time due to its connections to China. They assert that it poses a risk to national security as the Chinese government may potentially exploit TikTok to gather information on Americans or manipulate public opinion in the U.S. by promoting or restricting specific content.

TikTok has consistently affirmed that it will not comply with Chinese government’s demands for American user data. It also cites “Project Texas,” which was launched in 2022 with the purpose of protecting American user data on U.S. servers and easing concerns from lawmakers.

“The measure, passed on Wednesday, forces ByteDance to make a decision in the next six months: either sell TikTok or lose access to app stores and web-hosting services in the United States.”

It will now go to the Senate.

Where will its future lead?. 

When is the scheduled vote for the TikTok legislation in the Senate?

signed a $1

He stated that he would put his signature on it.. 

Several senators have acknowledged that the upper chamber operates at a slower pace compared to its counterpart, which approved the proposal only eight days after it was initially brought forth.

I find it difficult to believe that it will happen quickly. We do not prioritize speed and our systems are not designed for it, so my assumption is that it will take several months,” stated Senator Kevin Cramer, a member of the Republican party from the state of North Dakota, in response to a question about the timeline on Wednesday.

Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon expressed on Thursday that hastily making decisions without considering the consequences often leads to numerous errors.

The decision on whether or not to vote on the issue has not been confirmed by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a member of the Democratic party from New York. However, the fact that both Democrats and Republicans in the House support the issue and the White House has urged for swift action adds pressure on the Senate to take action.

Senator Mark Warner, a Democratic representative from Virginia, stated that he has initiated discussions with Schumer on Thursday. Additionally, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee has supported the bill after it was approved by the House. Warner also mentioned having an initial conversation with Maria Cantwell, the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, which would potentially need to approve any measures limiting TikTok.

Cantwell has not supported the legislation and indicated it may not pass legal examination.

On Wednesday, the Washington Democrat stated that she will communicate with fellow members of the Senate and House in an effort to reach a solution that upholds both the constitution and the protection of civil liberties.

Critics argue that the proposed legislation infringes upon the First Amendment rights of the 170 million Americans who utilize TikTok as a means of self-expression, information gathering, and communication.

Certain senators have expressed their desire to modify the bill passed by the House. If the changes are made, the revised version would need to go back through the House for approval after it is passed by the Senate.

Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri, a member of the Republican party, expressed skepticism about the possibility of a floor vote.

What if the Senate passes the TikTok bill?

The House bill, if passed, would prohibit the distribution of apps created by ByteDance, subsidiary companies, and other firms deemed to be under foreign control. These apps must be divested within 180 days.

A transaction for the app TikTok.

Each situation presents its own difficulties.

“The application is guaranteed to carry a price tag in the billions, a cost that would be too steep for most companies or investors. If a deal were to be made with a technology behemoth that has ample financial backing, it is probable that it would face obstacles related to competition regulations. Moreover, any sale would need approval from China, and the Chinese government has expressed opposition to a coerced purchase.”

The current timeline for selling TikTok or facing a ban may be prolonged due to an ongoing legal dispute. Shou Zi Chew, TikTok’s CEO who was present at a meeting with legislators on Capitol Hill, has expressed the company’s intention to contest the ruling.

The CEO stated that the bill’s expectations cannot realistically be met within the outlined parameters, ultimately resulting in the app being prohibited in the nation.

Past attempts to heavily limit TikTok’s presence in the United States were unsuccessful. One recent instance occurred when Montana implemented a complete ban last year, which a federal judge ultimately deemed unconstitutional and temporarily halted from being enforced in January.

Alan He and Cristina Corujo provided news coverage.

Caitlin Yilek

Source: cbsnews.com