Lawmakers in the United States have been working behind the scenes to pass a bill that would force TikTok to be sold by its Chinese owner, ByteDance, or face a ban. The bipartisan effort began with a small group of lawmakers and aides who wanted to address national security concerns regarding the popular video app’s ties to China. Despite previous failed attempts to regulate TikTok, this group successfully navigated the legislative process to pass a bill in just seven weeks, garnering support from both Democrats and Republicans.
The efforts to pass the bill were shrouded in secrecy to avoid being influenced by TikTok’s lobbying efforts. Lawmakers worked with the White House and the Justice Department to ensure that the bill would be legally sound and support was obtained from the Biden administration. The bill was designed to address concerns about the Chinese government potentially accessing sensitive user data or influencing content on the app. The successful passage of the bill in the Senate marked the first time Congress has sent a bill to the president that could result in the ban of a foreign app.
TikTok, which vehemently denies allegations of being influenced by the Chinese government, was caught off guard by the lawmakers’ strategy. The company tried to defend itself through lobbying efforts and advertising campaigns, but ultimately the bill was successful in both the House and the Senate. The passage of the bill in the Senate provided a new opportunity for lawmakers to include it in a package of bills popular with Republicans, ensuring its swift passage to the president’s desk.
The bill faced challenges in the Senate, including calls for changes that would extend the timeline for ByteDance to sell TikTok and clarify the national security concerns outlined in the bill. TikTok’s efforts to defend itself, including lobbying lawmakers and running ad campaigns, were met with opposition from various groups who supported the bill. Ultimately, the bill passed in the Senate with overwhelming support and is expected to be signed into law by President Biden.
The success of the bill represents a rare instance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing national security concerns related to popular technology companies with ties to China. The speed at which the bill was passed, despite opposition from TikTok and various interest groups, demonstrates the determination and resolve of the lawmakers involved in crafting and passing the legislation. By forcing TikTok to be sold by ByteDance or face a ban, lawmakers aim to protect American interests and ensure the security of user data on the popular video-sharing platform.
