President Joe Biden recently signed a $95 billion national security package that includes a provision that could potentially lead to a ban on popular social media platform, TikTok. However, the ban will not come into effect until after the 2024 election, giving TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, a nine-month window to sell the platform or face a nationwide prohibition in the U.S.
The legislation allows for a one-time extension of 90 days, which could push the possible ban start date to April 2025. This change in the timeline was driven by Senate Democrats who pushed to extend the deadline for selling TikTok. Former President Donald Trump, who once sought to exploit a potential TikTok ban for political gain, is now against it and accuses Biden of being responsible for the ban.
Democratic lawmakers are divided on the issue, with some endorsing the ban as a necessary national security measure, while others are concerned about its impact on creators and activists. The potential ban could have political implications for Democratic candidates running in the 2024 election, especially those using TikTok as a platform to reach voters.
Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Ro Khanna, oppose the ban, citing free speech rights and a disconnect between the establishment and many Americans on the issue. Senator John Kennedy advises election candidates to follow their hearts but also to use their brains when considering their stance on a potential TikTok ban.
As the debate over the future of TikTok continues, it remains to be seen how this issue will play out in the coming years and what impact it will have on both national security and political campaigns. Stay tuned to Jala News for the latest updates on this developing story.
