A TikTok ban in the U.S. is looming ever closer, with the ban bill now being signed into law by President Joe Biden after the U.S. Senate passed it. With his signature, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has an official deadline for selling the popular app.
TikTok ban bill sets deadline for ByteDance to sell
The deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok, or be in the process of doing so, is January 24, 2025.
On morning of April 25, President Biden signed the TikTok ban bill. It officially began a 9-month deadline for ByteDance to sell the video app. Now, the company would have to complete the sale, or be in the process of doing so, by January 24, 2025, unless a court order delays the date.
ByteDance could get a three-month extension if its sale is in progress. Additionally, it would have no control over the algorithm that helps TikTok gain popularity. Failing to meet the deadline could lead to an immediate ban on TikTok in the U.S.
The new bill turned into law cites worries that the Chinese government could gain access to the personal information of over 170 million Americans through ByteDance.
TikTok CEO responds to the ban deadline
Minutes after the bill was signed, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew responded to it in a new video. He stated, “Rest assured, we aren’t going anywhere.”
His comments assure that TikTok will sue to stop the ban. Chew further stated in the video:
“Make no mistake, this is a ban, a ban on TikTok, and a ban on you and your voice. Politicians may say otherwise. But don’t get confused.”
Expressing disappointment, he continued to say:
“It’s actually ironic because the freedom of expression on TikTok reflects the same American values that make the United States a beacon of freedom. TikTok gives everyday Americans a powerful way to be seen and heard.”
Towards the end of the video, Chew rallied TikTok users to raise their voices. He assured them that TikTok is confident and will continue to fight for their rights to freedom of speech, expecting to prevail in the legal battle.
