Legislators in the House of Representatives have once more approved a bill that has the potential to result in a countrywide prohibition of TikTok, thereby rekindling a significant risk to the company’s operations in the United States.
The updated divest-or-ban bill received a 360 to 58 vote in the House of Representatives, potentially marking the first instance of the US government passing a law to close down an entire social media platform. The Senate is anticipated to cast their vote on the bill in the upcoming week, with President Joe Biden expressing his intention to sign the legislation.
If the House’s maneuver is successful, it could expedite a proposition that TikTok has been vehemently opposing for several weeks. In the event of this strategic move’s triumph, TikTok may be compelled to seek a new proprietor or face a complete ban from the United States.
During the month of March, a bill was passed by members of the House which would require TikTok to sell within a period of approximately six months. If this requirement is not met, there would be severe repercussions: TikTok would face a ban from US app stores and from internet hosting services that facilitate its operation.
There are several points to consider. Firstly, there have been significant modifications. Rather than a six-month timeframe, TikTok would now be given approximately nine months. Furthermore, the White House may prolong this deadline by an additional 90 days, should President Joe Biden deem that there has been advancement in the sale process.
The political dynamics on Capitol Hill seem to have shifted after granting TikTok a generous one-year period to finalize a mandatory sale. Several influential legislators, who were previously doubtful, now express their endorsement for the bill. Additionally, the inclusion of the TikTok bill within a comprehensive foreign aid package by House Republicans has further complicated matters. By combining the bill with assistance to Ukraine and Israel, it becomes significantly more challenging for lawmakers to oppose the TikTok measure.
Should the Senate give its approval to the TikTok legislation, it will then be forwarded to President Joe Biden for his endorsement. Biden has already backed the earlier version of the TikTok bill, indicating his readiness to promptly sign off on any foreign aid package that includes similar provisions targeting TikTok.
TikTok has not only expressed its willingness to comply with the legislation but has also hinted at the possibility of challenging it in court. CEO Shou Chew declared in March the company’s determination to persist in its fight. However, a major obstacle lies in the fact that TikTok’s parent company is bound by Chinese law, and the Chinese government has openly voiced its opposition to a potential sale.
China has recently enforced export regulations on algorithms, a measure that appears to encompass the highly effective algorithm behind TikTok’s recommendation system. However, without the proprietary formula that has driven the app’s popularity among 170 million American users, TikTok may face a bleak future.
