Many TikTok users want to know if there is a chance of the platform getting banned in the US. Several countries have already done that, but will the US join the list? Here’s all you need to know.
Is TikTok going to be banned in the US?
TikTok hasn’t been banned in the US yet, but its fate is uncertain.
At the moment of writing, the House has approved and passed a bill that would either force TikTok’s parent company to sell it, or endure a partial ban in the United States. The bill went through the House with a 352 to 65 majority, showcasing effective bipartisan support. House Speaker Mike Johnson and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi backed the bill as well.
The issue at hand is the ownership of TikTok. Its Chinese parent company ByteDance has access to the personal information of over 170 million Americans. Consequently, US officials believe that they could give the data away to the Chinese government.
TikTok has responded to the matter, stating that they haven’t been asked to hand over the data of US citizens and wouldn’t do it even if they were. Furthermore, the personal information of US citizens has been stored on US-based servers to provide further safeguards. However, the existing concern is that ByteDance would have no choice but to hand over the data of US citizens if the Chinese authorities demand it.
So, TikTok’s fate will now be decided by the Senate.
When is the Senate voting on the TikTok ban?
The Senate voting date for the TikTok ban hasn’t been announced yet.
President Joe Biden has confirmed that he will sign the bill if it makes it to his desk. For that, the senators would have to pass it, and they aren’t rushing to make a decision. As per Senator Kevin Cramer, it isn’t likely for the Senate to take action any time soon. He said:
“It’s hard for me to imagine that it’ll be real fast. We don’t do things fast. We’re designed not to do things fast, so I would think months.”
The reports of a possible TikTok ban took the internet by storm. Many users dependent on the platform responded with backlash towards the bill. It will fight an uphill battle through the Senate. But if the senators approve, then TikTok’s days in the US could be numbered.
ByteDance would have to agree to sell the company and let go of its US-based data, or face a ban in the country. If the latter happens, then the US will join countries such as India, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Canada, and France who have also banned TikTok’s usage.
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