The US Senate has greenlit a contentious bill, signaling a potential ban on TikTok in America. Under this legislation, ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, has nine months to divest its ownership, or face the app’s prohibition in the United States. President Joe Biden intends to endorse the bill promptly upon receipt. ByteDance has yet to provide an immediate reaction, having previously opposed any forced sale of TikTok. While the US seeks to compel ByteDance’s divestiture, any agreement would necessitate approval from Chinese authorities, a process expected to be protracted. The bill, passed alongside military aid measures, enjoyed substantial bipartisan support, with 79 Senators voting in favor and 18 against. Concerns over potential Chinese access to American user data have been a driving force behind the legislative push to sever ties between TikTok and its Chinese parent company. Despite TikTok’s arguments against the bill’s passage, emphasizing its contributions to the US economy and its independence from Chinese influence, legal experts anticipate a prolonged legal battle, possibly spanning two years. Additionally, failure to secure a buyer for ByteDance’s stake within the stipulated timeframe could further delay any actions against TikTok in the US.
