The House bill, passed in March, requires ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to sell the platform within nine months, with a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress. The bill also prohibits ByteDance from controlling TikTok’s algorithm. Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell, who had initial concerns about the bill, now supports the updated version.
Lawmakers have expressed concerns about Chinese authorities potentially accessing data on the 170 million Americans who use TikTok. There are worries that China could influence TikTok content to align with its interests. However, TikTok has denied these allegations and stated that it has not shared US user data with Chinese authorities.
The $95 billion foreign aid package, which includes the TikTok proposal, is expected to be voted on by House lawmakers on Saturday. While the bill has bipartisan support, there is opposition from some conservatives. President Joe Biden has indicated he would sign the legislation if it reaches his desk.
TikTok has been actively opposing the legislation through TV ads and highlighting its investments in data safety. The company argues that a ban would infringe on free speech rights and harm businesses that rely on the platform.
Some digital rights and free speech groups, including the ACLU, have also criticized the bill. If ByteDance divests from TikTok, potential buyers face challenges due to the platform’s value and regulatory scrutiny. China’s restrictions on exporting recommendation algorithms may complicate a potential sale of TikTok’s algorithm.
