In the United States, TikTok is facing a ticking clock as a new law requires ByteDance, its Chinese owner, to sell the app or face a ban in the country. The law, which took effect on Wednesday, gives ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, with a possible extension of three months at the discretion of President Joe Biden.
The White House has emphasized that the focus is on divesting TikTok in a manner consistent with national security concerns. Legislators are concerned about the addictive behavior caused by the app, especially among adolescents, as well as its Chinese ownership. Critics fear that the Chinese government could access data of American users.
TikTok has introduced safety controls and denies providing US data to China. However, the law seemed unlikely until recently and was included in a bill to secure aid for Ukraine after intense political negotiations in Congress. ByteDance may challenge the law in court, prolonging the process for months or even years.
The future of TikTok remains uncertain as questions arise about ByteDance’s willingness to sell the app, the Chinese government’s approval, and potential legal challenges. The app vows to continue to innovate and ensure that Americans can continue enjoying the platform for self-expression and inspiration.