Committee approves bipartisan bill mandating TikTok’s sale by Chinese owners

A House Panel Advances Bipartisan Bill to Divest⁣ TikTok from China-Based Parent Company

A House panel has taken a major step towards cracking down on TikTok, the ⁤popular social media ​platform known for its influence⁢ over young people and potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party. ⁢The House Energy and Commerce Committee‍ unanimously approved Rep. Mike Gallagher’s Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications⁣ Act, which aims ​to force a divestment of ⁢TikTok by its China-based parent company, ByteDance.

The bill specifically targets social media​ applications​ owned by companies connected to “foreign adversaries” like China, Russia, and Iran. ‍If passed, it would ‍make it unlawful for app stores to host these applications. ‌The committee‌ also approved Rep. Frank Pallone’s Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries‌ Act, which aims to prevent data brokers from selling U.S. user data to foreign‌ adversaries.

TikTok’s ⁣Response and Congressional ⁢Backlash

TikTok ⁤launched a massive campaign urging⁤ users to contact their ‌congressional representatives and oppose Gallagher’s bill. Congressional staffers reported receiving hundreds⁢ of calls from TikTok users, ⁣including high⁣ schoolers, who expressed concerns about ‌a potential ban on the app. Some⁣ callers were unsure about the⁢ details of the ban, while others used inappropriate names. One caller even made ⁤a disturbing threat ⁤of suicide if TikTok ⁤was divested from ByteDance.

House Energy‌ and Commerce Chairwoman Cathy⁣ McMorris Rodgers emphasized ⁤the choice given to TikTok: ‍either⁣ sever ties with its Chinese Communist Party-affiliated parent company or ⁢face a ban.⁣ Rodgers accused TikTok of manipulating and ‌exploiting​ American users to protect ByteDance’s interests.

Support​ and ‌Concerns Surrounding the ⁤Bill

Gallagher’s bill has garnered support from‌ Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and the White House, giving it a significant ‌advantage over other proposed bills ​aimed ‍at banning TikTok.⁣ However, some senators have raised concerns ‌about the ⁣bill’s constitutionality.

TikTok has not yet responded to requests for comment from the Washington Examiner.

How does the proposed “Divest TikTok Act” aim to address concerns over the potential exploitation of American‌ users and their personal information by the Chinese government

Es to China’s government.‍ The House Committee on Foreign Affairs recently advanced a bipartisan bill that would require the divestment‌ of‍ TikTok from its parent company, Beijing-based ByteDance.

The bill, known as the “Divest⁣ TikTok Act,” is a ‌response to growing concerns over the security ⁢risks posed by the​ popular app. TikTok has faced scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators in the United States​ due to its⁣ close ties to the Chinese government. Critics argue that the app’s data collection practices, potential censorship, and the possibility of Chinese influence threaten American national security.

The bipartisan legislation passed the committee with unanimous support, demonstrating ⁣the widespread concerns surrounding TikTok. The bill’s sponsors believe that divesting TikTok from its parent company is a ​necessary step to protect American users ⁤and their personal information. They ‌argue⁢ that ByteDance’s‌ access to ⁤user data could allow the Chinese government to exploit and manipulate American citizens.

The proposed⁤ legislation would give TikTok 12 months to separate itself from ByteDance. During this period, the company would need​ to ensure that ‍all user data stored in China is transferred to US servers,‍ eliminating ‌the risk of Chinese government access. ⁢If TikTok fails to comply within the given timeframe,⁤ the ⁤bill would prohibit federal employees from using the app on government-issued devices.

This House panel’s advancement of the bill is ​a significant move towards addressing the increasing concerns surrounding TikTok. It represents a bipartisan effort to protect American users from potential threats to their privacy ‍and ⁢national ⁤security. The support from both sides of the ⁣aisle demonstrates a shared understanding ⁢of the urgent need to‍ address this ‌issue.

However, this legislation has not come without criticism. ⁢Some argue that the bill unfairly targets TikTok while other foreign-owned social media ‌platforms ‌with similar data practices remain unaffected. Critics question the singling out of TikTok and suggest ​that a more comprehensive approach to all ⁤social media ‍platforms is required.

Nevertheless, the advancement of this bill showcases a growing bipartisan consensus regarding the need for stronger‍ oversight⁤ and regulation of social‌ media platforms‌ that pose‌ potential security risks. Lawmakers on both sides of ⁤the aisle‍ recognize the significance of addressing China’s influence over popular ⁣apps like TikTok.

The bill will now move ⁤to the House‍ floor for further‌ consideration ​and debate. If it passes the House, it will still need to pass the Senate ​and⁣ be signed into law ⁤by the ⁣President. ⁢While the‌ path to enactment is uncertain, the‍ fact that this legislation​ has ‍advanced this ​far is a testament to the bipartisan concern over TikTok’s ties to China and its potential ⁣risks.

The divestment of TikTok from its China-based parent company has become a priority for lawmakers​ and regulators in the United States. The bipartisan bill advanced by the House ‍Committee on Foreign Affairs reflects a growing ‌consensus that action must be taken to protect American users and national security. As the legislative process continues, it remains to be seen whether this bill will become law and how it⁣ will shape the future of TikTok in‍ the United ‍States.

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