The aftermath of the American lawmakers’ overwhelming vote to force the Chinese owner of TikTok to sell the popular video-sharing app has left its chief executive, Shou Zi Chew, puzzled. During a visit to Capitol Hill, Chew expressed his confusion stating, “There’s a lot of noise, but I haven’t heard exactly what we’ve done that is wrong.”
Lawmakers have been explicit about their concerns regarding a Chinese company, ByteDance, owning TikTok, which has become the social media platform of choice for America’s youth. National security agencies, including the FBI, are worried about issues ranging from China obtaining Americans’ personal data to using the app’s algorithm for spreading disinformation and interfering in US elections.
Chew’s comments come in the wake of a House of Representatives vote of 362-65 in favor of a bill that would ban app stores from distributing TikTok unless ByteDance divests the platform within 180 days. Chew criticized the outcome as “very disappointing,” despite bipartisan support for the bill. President Joe Biden has indicated he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk, surprising some as his campaign used TikTok to reach younger voters.
TikTok insists it is not controlled by the Chinese government and argues that the House bill is unconstitutional. However, critics believe a Chinese-owned app should not be allowed to operate in the US, similar to restrictions on foreign ownership of legacy media.
The Senate’s response to the bill remains uncertain, but key senators have expressed support for the measure. The Senate must garner at least 60 votes to pass the bill, with some opposition on free speech and executive over-reach grounds.
TikTok executives are skeptical that the bill will pass in the Senate and have hinted at legal challenges if it does. The company has been down a similar road before when President Trump issued an executive order to block TikTok in the US, which was later blocked by the courts.
The larger question looming over TikTok is whether it could be sold and to whom. Potential deals with Microsoft, Oracle, and Walmart have fallen through, and the Chinese government has voiced opposition to ByteDance divesting TikTok.
As the debate continues, the future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain, with potential legal battles and political influences at play.