US House votes to compel TikTok sale over security concerns
2:14 PM EDT, March 27, 2024
The US has taken decisive action against TikTok. The United States House of Representatives voted on a bill presenting a significant request to the app's owner, the Chinese company ByteDance. TikTok has publicly addressed this critical issue.
The United States is determined to take a stand against TikTok. US politicians have been actively pursuing this matter. The House of Representatives approved legislation targeting the app with little opposition. The vote tally showed 352 in favor and only 65 against. Both Republicans and Democrats showed an unexpected level of agreement regarding TikTok.
Is TikTok really that concerning? It often comes down to control
So, what's the real issue with the US's actions? The demands are for ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban in America. This move would not only impact regular users but would hit creators particularly hard, potentially leading to lost income.
According to the United States, this conflict is about securing control over technologies that can influence national security and free speech. The US harbors concerns over ByteDance's alleged ties with the Chinese government and is pressuring for the app to be sold to owners without such connections.
"This bill does not ban TikTok. It's about divesting it from ByteDance, enabling an American company to own the platform. This would protect the data and privacy of American consumers against the malign foreign influences of the Communist Party of China," stated Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries.
TikTok challenges the allegations and calls for the consideration of American voices
TikTok's CEO Shou Zi Chew released a statement on social media. In the video, he discussed the broad user base in the US and the app's significant economic impact, including promotional tools and enhancing competitiveness.
"This process was secretive, and the bill was passed for one reason: to ban us. We hope the Senate will look at the facts, listen to their constituents, and understand the consequences for the economy, seven million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our platform," the TikTok spokesperson stated after the vote.
TikTok distances itself from China and opposes a US ban
In a statement to vibez.pl, TikTok firmly denied any association with the Chinese government. The application also highlighted its efforts in data protection and combatting misinformation.
"TikTok is utilized by over a billion people worldwide, and neither TikTok nor its parent company are under Chinese ownership. TikTok isn't even available in China, debunking claims of the platform's influence by the Chinese government," communicated TikTok's Press Office. "We have never shared user data with the Chinese government, nor would we comply if asked" - the statement continued.
Moreover, the company assured that it's enhancing its data security measures in Europe through Project Clover. TikTok is tightening data access and collaborating with an external European firm for auditing, monitoring, and verification.
