U.S. Senate Approves Bill Banning TikTok Unless ByteDance Divests

The U.S. Senate has approved a bill that would effectively ban TikTok nationwide unless its Chinese parent company ByteDance divests the popular social media app. The legislation, which is tied to a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, is anticipated to be signed into law by President Joe Biden.

Under the bill, ByteDance would have an initial nine months to sell TikTok, with the possibility of a 90-day extension if progress is made on a deal. If ByteDance fails to divest within the allotted time, a nationwide ban on TikTok would likely take effect between January and April 2025, preventing users from accessing the app through major app stores.

The move to ban TikTok stems from long-held bipartisan concerns in Washington over potential national security risks posed by the app's Chinese ownership. Lawmakers argue that the Chinese government could exploit TikTok to access Americans' data or manipulate the content seen by the app's estimated 150 million U.S. users.

Why this matters: The TikTok ban legislation marks a significant escalation in the U.S. government's efforts to address the perceived threats from Chinese tech companies operating in the country. The outcome of this high-stakes battle could have far-reaching implications for the future of U.S.-China relations and the global tech landscape.

The foreign aid package, which includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific partners, is seen as vital for supporting U.S. allies and countering China's growing influence in the region. The TikTok ban provision was included in the package to secure broader support from lawmakers who have raised concerns about the app's Chinese ties.

As the legal battle over TikTok's future in the U.S. unfolds, the app's fate remains uncertain. While TikTok prepares to mount a legal challenge, ByteDance faces the daunting task of finding a suitable buyer for the immensely popular platform, which has been valued at over $100 billion.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. Senate passes bill to ban TikTok unless ByteDance divests app.
• ByteDance has 9 months to sell TikTok or face nationwide ban.
• Lawmakers cite national security risks from Chinese ownership of TikTok.
• Ban provision tied to $95B foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan.