The U.S. House passed a bill that could force TikTok to separate from its China-based parent company, Bytedance, as the platform allegedly poses a national security risk.
Following the House passage, TikTok's fate is now under the Senate which would decide if it will pass the bill to become a law.
TikTok's Looming Ban in U.S. Steps Closer
The legislation passed the bill with 352-65 votes. The bill's process from introduction to floor vote was sped up to eight days, setting the prioritization of the House for the matter.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash explained that TikTok was given a clear choice and the future of the platform would stem from the company's decision.
"Separate from your parent company ByteDance, which is beholden to the CCP (the Chinese Communist Party), and remain operational in the United States, or side with the CCP and face the consequences. The choice is TikTok's," said Rodgers.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. shared that he will consult with the relevant committee chairs, which would help determine the bill's path. Previously, President Joe Biden has previously said that he will sign it once Congress passes it.
TikTok as National Security Threat
Although TikTok is incorporated in the U.S. and has been residing in Los Angeles as its headquarters, the government is keen to investigate the ties of its China-based parent company, ByteDance.
The U.S. government has been wary of the potential weaponization of TikTok, citing that the Chinese government could use the app to snoop on Americans and affect their political views.
TikTok has more than 170 million American users and the government worries that their user data are being shared with China. The concern started after reports on Chinese national security laws revealed that organizations are compelled to assist with intelligence gathering.
However, the company argued that it had never done such a thing. "We will not stop fighting and advocating for you. We will continue to do all we can, including exercising our legal rights, to protect this amazing platform that we have built with you," TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said.
