Senate Pushes Forward with Proposal to Address TikTok Security Concerns

As pressure mounts on TikTok, the U.S. Senate is fast-tracking a proposed bill aimed at addressing national security worries by potentially requiring the company to be under American ownership.

Just last month, U.S. senators introduced legislation targeting security risks associated with foreign control of social media platforms, specifically focusing on TikTok, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance. The bill proposes that ByteDance sell TikTok to American ownership to prevent U.S. user data from being accessed by the Chinese government for political purposes.

After clearing the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House of Representatives, the bill is now on its way to the Senate for further consideration. President Biden has indicated he would support the bill if it reaches his desk.

This week, Senators have taken steps to advance the bill by incorporating it into a broader foreign assistance package, potentially speeding up the legislative process.

According to The Financial Times, the bill's inclusion in the larger package increases its chances of passing in the Senate, given the reluctance of many senators to disrupt military funding for countries like Ukraine.

The comprehensive package could prompt swifter action on the proposal, with a decision on TikTok's future in the U.S. expected in the coming weeks.

While the bill doesn't entail an immediate ban, TikTok would have nearly a year to devise a divestment strategy and negotiate with a U.S. buyer. However, complications arise if the Chinese government prohibits the app's sale, hindering its transition to American ownership.

TikTok has expressed frustration with these developments, maintaining that the bill effectively constitutes a ban. However, its efforts to portray the legislation as such have not endeared it to U.S. lawmakers, who are wary of the app's tactics to mobilize American users in its defense.

The ultimate fate of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, but these recent legislative maneuvers signal a growing push to address security concerns associated with the platform.