US Senate Passes Bill Forcing TikTok Sale or Ban

The future of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance after the US Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill that could force the popular app's sale or complete removal from the region. This move comes amidst growing concerns about the app's potential ties to the Chinese government and the risk it might pose to national security.

Fast-Tracked Bill Targets TikTok Ownership

The legislation, initially proposed last month, initially faced a separate path through the House of Representatives. However, to expedite its approval, the bill was repackaged and attached to a broader foreign aid package encompassing military aid for Ukraine and Israel, as well as humanitarian aid for Gaza. This strategic move allowed the bill to reach the Senate floor for a quicker vote.

Overwhelming Senate Vote Pushes Bill Towards Biden's Desk

The final vote on the combined proposal saw a significant majority, with 79 Senators approving the bill and only 18 opposing it. This strong support indicates a widespread concern among US officials regarding TikTok's ownership structure. President Biden has already expressed his intention to sign the bill, making its passage into law highly likely.

Forced Sale or Complete Ban: The Uncertain Future of TikTok

The bill essentially gives TikTok two options: either be sold to a US-based entity or face a complete ban within the United States. This forced sale aims to distance the platform from its Chinese ownership, ByteDance, and alleviate fears that the app could be used as a tool for propaganda by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

National Security Concerns Drive the Bill

While user data transfer to China remains a concern, the primary motivation behind the bill seems to be the potential for Chinese influence on US citizens. Rising tensions between the US and China fuel worries that TikTok could be used to manipulate public opinion and influence voters, especially considering China's history of such influence operations.

Precedents and Growing Concerns

The bill's proponents point to various examples as justification. In 2022, Google disrupted a large-scale Chinese influence programme called "Dragonbridge" operating on YouTube, Blogger, and AdSense. Similarly, Meta has detected and removed numerous Chinese-linked accounts suspected of manipulating content on Facebook. Additionally, Microsoft has recently warned about Chinese groups attempting to influence voters in the US through social media activity.

Potential Consequences: A Race Against Time

With these precedents in mind, the US government considers TikTok a potential threat. Assuming President Biden signs the bill, ByteDance will have a limited window - 9 months - to find a US buyer for TikTok. This deadline can be extended by an additional 30 days if an appeal is filed. This gives TikTok a maximum of roughly one year to find a new owner and avoid being banned entirely.

Uncertainties and Potential Complications

The situation remains complex. While a deal to keep the platform running is likely within this timeframe, complications might arise. The Chinese government has already voiced its opposition to the forced sale, potentially favouring a complete ban over relinquishing control. This political wrangling could ultimately lead to a permanent ban for TikTok in the US.

The Future of the Platform: Questions Remain

Even if sold, critical questions linger. Could TikTok maintain its current user engagement without ByteDance's algorithms? Would the platform be as successful under new ownership? The coming weeks will likely see intense debate on these issues, especially if President Biden signs the bill as expected.