In a bid to address growing concerns over data security, White House national security adviser John Kirby has called on the Senate to promptly advance a bill aimed at compelling Chinese technology company ByteDance to divest its ownership of TikTok. The bill, which received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House, seeks to push ByteDance to sell TikTok to an American entity or face a ban in the United States.
Kirby emphasized the importance of safeguarding American data from potential misuse by ByteDance and the Chinese Communist Party. He underscored the need for urgency in addressing these concerns, urging the Senate to follow the House’s lead in swiftly advancing the legislation.
The House passed the bill with a resounding 352-65 majority, reflecting bipartisan consensus on the issue. President Joe Biden, who utilizes TikTok for his reelection campaign, has pledged to sign the bill into law if it successfully navigates through Congress.
However, despite the House’s decisive vote, the Senate has been slower to act on the TikTok bill due to other pressing legislative matters. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated a willingness to review the bill but has not committed to a specific timeline for a vote.
While some senators have expressed tentative support for the measure, others remain cautious. Senators like Bill Cassidy and Ben Cardin have signaled openness to the bill but have stopped short of firmly endorsing it.
The TikTok bill has also sparked debate beyond Capitol Hill, with former President Donald Trump voicing opposition to a potential ban on the platform. Trump’s stance on TikTok has drawn criticism, including from former Vice President Mike Pence, who cited it as a factor in his decision not to endorse Trump for the upcoming election.
As discussions continue in the Senate, lawmakers and stakeholders alike emphasize the importance of addressing data security concerns associated with TikTok while navigating the broader implications of regulating technology companies with foreign ownership.
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