TikTok Ban Signed into Law by President Biden: What’s Next for the Popular App?
Fans of TikTok can breathe a sigh of relief as President Joe Biden signed a potential ban into law this week, allowing the popular video-sharing app to remain accessible for at least the next nine months. The measure requires ByteDance, the Beijing-based parent company, to sell the company to a U.S.-approved buyer within the specified timeframe. However, Biden has the authority to extend the deadline by another 90 days if a sale is in progress.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has already vowed to fight the ban, stating that TikTok isn’t going anywhere. He expressed confidence in the company’s legal position and emphasized their commitment to defending users’ rights in the courts.
The ban on TikTok was added to a larger foreign aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan by House Republicans. Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about the app’s growing influence and data security issues. Opposition to the ban argues that it could have significant implications for users, limiting their access to news, business opportunities, and online communication.
Despite previous criticism of TikTok, Biden allowed his campaign to join the platform earlier this year, with his team managing the account. The decision to ban TikTok stems from concerns about national security, data privacy, and potential foreign influence through the app.
While a ban on TikTok could have far-reaching consequences, including legal battles and challenges to the First Amendment, the immediate impact on users is expected to be minimal. Even if a ban is implemented, current users will likely still have access to the app, albeit without the ability to download updates or bug fixes.
The potential sale of TikTok to a U.S.-approved buyer remains uncertain, with China unlikely to support such a move. Various companies, including Microsoft, Walmart, and Oracle, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok in the past, but no deal has materialized. Investors like Kevin O’Leary and Steven Mnuchin have also expressed interest in purchasing the app if the opportunity arises.
As the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, users can continue to enjoy the platform while potential buyers and legal challenges shape the app’s fate in the coming months.
