April 22, 2024 at 09:05AM
The US House of Representatives passed a bill over the weekend that would force the sale of TikTok’s US operations, amid concerns about Chinese ownership and potential influence. The legislation, part of a foreign aid package, is set to be sent to the Senate for approval, with President Biden indicating he would sign it.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes:
– The US House of Representatives has passed legislation to force the sale of TikTok’s US operations within a year, with the possibility of banning the popular app from the country if the sale does not occur.
– Both Democrat and Republican representatives have expressed security concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership and its potential influence on public opinion in America.
– The legislation had previously stalled in the Senate, but a new bill now allows for a 270-day window for compliance with the sale or ban ruling, with the possibility of a 90-day extension.
– TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, plans to challenge the move in court, with its head of public policy for the Americas stating that the law would be “a clear violation” of the First Amendment rights of TikTok’s American users.
– The legislation could face further barriers, including potential export control laws in China, which may impact the divestment of TikTok’s US operations and could lead to a ban.
Overall, the meeting notes highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the potential sale or ban of TikTok in the US, with potential legal and geopolitical obstacles ahead.