- Calls to ban TikTok over national security concerns have increased as lawmakers introduce legislation to force ByteDance to divest the app within 5 months or face a ban. TikTok denies the accusations as unconstitutional.
- Efforts to restrict TikTok continue over allegations it provides American user data to China, with President Biden banning it on government devices and some states enacting restrictions. The Trump administration previously tried to force ByteDance to divest TikTok.
- Despite the renewed push to ban TikTok in Congress, public support for banning it is declining with only 38% of Americans now in favor, down from 50%. Biden’s campaign joining TikTok has also drawn criticism from lawmakers.
TikTok, the popular video-sharing app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is facing increased scrutiny in Washington as U.S. lawmakers introduce new legislation banning the app.
Calls to Ban TikTok Over National Security Concerns
Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) proposed the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, arguing TikTok poses a threat to U.S. national security due to its ties to China. The bill would force ByteDance to divest TikTok within 5 months or face a ban.
TikTok Denies Allegations as Unconstitutional
TikTok denies the accusations, calling the proposed legislation unconstitutional. “This bill is an outright ban of TikTok no matter how much the authors try to disguise it,” said a TikTok spokesperson. “This legislation will trample the First Amendment rights of 170 million Americans.”
Ongoing Efforts to Restrict TikTok Over Data Privacy Issues
The bill marks the latest effort to restrict TikTok over allegations it provides data on American users to the Chinese government. President Biden previously banned TikTok on government devices, and some states have enacted similar restrictions. The Trump administration previously tried to force ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets.
Support for Banning TikTok Declines Among Americans
Despite the renewed push in Congress, support for banning TikTok is declining among the public. A recent survey found 38% of U.S. adults now support a ban, down from 50% in March. Biden’s reelection campaign also recently joined TikTok, drawing criticism from lawmakers.
Conclusion
TikTok faces ongoing pressure in Washington over national security concerns, but public support for banning the wildly popular app appears to be waning even as lawmakers renew calls for ByteDance to divest it. The outcome remains uncertain as TikTok fights in court to prevent restrictions.
