The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that could potentially lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video-sharing app TikTok if its Chinese owner, ByteDance, does not sell the platform. The bill, which is attached to a foreign aid package supporting Ukraine and Israel, has received support from President Biden, indicating that the ban could soon become a reality.
TikTok has condemned the bill, claiming it is an attack on free speech rights. The crackdown on TikTok stems from national security concerns regarding Chinese propaganda and spying, although there is no publicly available evidence that Chinese officials have influenced content on the app or spied on US citizens.
One of the major hurdles in selling TikTok is the ownership of its algorithm, which is owned by ByteDance and would require approval from the Chinese government for any sale. Analysts estimate that ByteDance is worth around $225 billion, making it a valuable asset for any potential buyer.
Under the bill’s provisions, TikTok would have up to a year to find a buyer, extending the initial six-month window. However, there is doubt as to whether ByteDance will give up control of TikTok, with experts questioning the feasibility of a sale to a large tech company.
The bill’s passage could potentially delay any action on TikTok until after the November election, providing more time to find a solution to the ownership dilemma. The fate of TikTok remains uncertain as the deadline for a sale approaches. Stay tuned to Jala News for the latest updates on this developing story.
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