TikTok Ban Looms: Will Congress Side with Privacy or Political Influence?

A bill that requires ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to divest from the social media app within 180 days or risk being banned in the US is currently being discussed in Congress. The concerns surrounding ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government have been at the center of this discussion. Many fear that sensitive user data collected by TikTok could be funneled to China, especially after reports of China using social media to influence elections.

Recently, officials from the Chinese Embassy were reported to have lobbied against the bill, further highlighting the concerns of lawmakers. Despite reassurances from TikTok that American user data is safe, critics, including former employees, remain worried. TikTok’s large user base in the US, with over 100 million monthly users, adds to the fears of possible election meddling in 2024.

TikTok has been actively fighting against the proposed legislation, urging its users to reach out to legislators to vote against it. The CEO of TikTok has even traveled to Washington, D.C., to join in the lobbying efforts against the bill. The Chinese Embassy’s involvement in pressuring against the bill only adds to the frustration of members of Congress handling the issue.

President Joe Biden has indicated that he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk, despite concerns that it could impact his reelection bid. The ongoing debate surrounding TikTok and its ties to China continues to be a significant point of contention in Congress.