In a significant move echoing Bharat’s decision to ban TikTok in 2020, lawmakers in the United States have taken steps to regulate Chinese-owned applications. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act with a vote of 352 to 65, as reported by Reuters.
The bipartisan bill, co-authored by Bharatiya American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher, aims to address concerns surrounding the ownership of foreign apps, particularly TikTok. If enacted into law, the legislation would require ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, to divest its US assets within six months or face a ban.
Citing National Security Concerns
The push for this legislation stems from national security concerns, mirroring Bharat’s rationale for its own ban on Chinese apps. Congressman Greg Murphy’s office emphasized the need to prioritize national security, citing India’s ban on 59 Chinese-created apps in 2020, including TikTok. Additionally, concerns about TikTok’s lack of transparency and its potential to compromise user privacy have spurred action not only in the US but also in other countries like the European Union and Canada.
White House Clarifies Intent of the Bill
While the bill has passed the House and awaits Senate approval, the White House has clarified its intentions. White House Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre emphasized that the legislation aims to ensure that ownership of apps like TikTok doesn’t fall into the hands of entities that could exploit them or pose a threat to national security. Contrary to some interpretations, the bill does not outright ban apps like TikTok but seeks to safeguard American data and prevent potential exploitation.
Impact on TikTok and Its Users
TikTok, with over 170 million users in the United States, stands at the center of this legislative action. The bill’s passage underscores growing scrutiny of Chinese-owned apps and their implications for national security and user privacy. While the legislation progresses through the Senate and potentially to the White House for approval, the future of TikTok’s operations in the US remains uncertain.
Global Precedent and Continued Concerns
India’s ban on TikTok in 2020 set a precedent for countries around the world grappling with similar concerns. Alongside India, several other nations, including Canada, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Norway, have also banned TikTok, citing various reasons ranging from national security to user privacy. The passage of this bill in the United States further solidifies the global trend of heightened scrutiny on Chinese-owned apps and underscores ongoing efforts to address related concerns.
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