WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously voted to advance legislation aimed at forcing ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to divest its ownership of the popular short video app. The bill, known as the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” gained bipartisan support with a 50-0 vote.
Under the proposed legislation, ByteDance would be given 165 days to sever ties with TikTok or face a ban on the app’s availability in U.S. app stores and web hosting services. The bill’s passage marks a significant escalation in efforts to address national security concerns surrounding TikTok’s Chinese ownership.
Lawmakers have long been concerned about the potential risks posed by TikTok’s ties to the Chinese government, especially regarding data privacy and national security. Previous attempts to address these concerns had faced obstacles, but the unanimous approval of this bill signals a strong bipartisan consensus on the issue.
The legislation comes amid heightened scrutiny of TikTok’s operations and its impact on American users. Despite assurances from TikTok that it does not share U.S. user data with the Chinese government, concerns persist about the potential exploitation of user data and the platform’s influence over American users.
In response to the bill’s advancement, TikTok has vehemently opposed the proposed measures, arguing that they would effectively amount to a total ban of the app in the United States. The company has rallied its user base to lobby against the legislation, highlighting concerns about the impact on free expression and businesses that rely on the platform.
While the bill specifically targets TikTok, its broader implications extend to other apps owned by foreign adversaries. If enacted, the legislation would provide the executive branch with the authority to designate additional apps as national security risks, subjecting them to similar divestment requirements.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to safeguard national security interests and protect American users from potential threats posed by foreign-controlled apps. They emphasize the need for stringent measures to ensure that sensitive data is not compromised or exploited for malicious purposes.
As the bill moves forward, it is expected to face further debate and scrutiny in both the House and the Senate. While its passage in the House Energy and Commerce Committee is a significant milestone, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. However, with bipartisan support and growing concerns about TikTok’s ties to China, the momentum behind the legislation is undeniable.
