WASHINGTON – The $95 billion national security package headed to President Joe Biden’s desk includes a provision that could potentially ban TikTok, although not until after the 2024 election. With 170 million American users, TikTok will remain a significant platform during the campaign, allowing candidates to engage with younger voters.
Embedded within the new legislation is a nine-month window for ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, to sell the app to avoid a nationwide ban in the United States. President Biden has the authority to grant a one-time extension of 90 days if there is progress towards divestment. This means that the earliest a ban could take effect is January 2025, or April if the extension is granted, further complicating the timeline with potential legal challenges from TikTok.
Democrats played a significant role in extending the deadline, with Senate Democrats advocating for more time. They see the election as a crucial factor in the decision-making process. Despite some experts disagreeing, Democrats are confident that ByteDance would opt to sell TikTok rather than risk a U.S. ban, emphasizing the importance of a sale within the extended timeframe.
Former President Donald Trump, who previously sought to ban TikTok, is now using the potential ban politically, blaming President Biden for the impending restrictions. However, the executive order signed by Trump in 2020 to ban TikTok was blocked in court, allowing the app to continue operating.
Lawmakers are divided on the issue, with some expressing concerns about national security and data privacy while others highlight the platform’s benefits for creators, activists, and businesses. The ongoing debate surrounding TikTok reflects a broader discussion about the influence of social media and its impact on elections.
As the TikTok ban looms, political implications remain unclear. Candidates, especially Democratic lawmakers, are using TikTok as a vital tool for reaching voters, raising concerns about the potential impact on their campaigns. The diverse use of TikTok by politicians underscores the platform’s significance in modern political communication.
Overall, the TikTok ban represents a complex issue with various stakeholders, including lawmakers, experts, and users. As the debate continues, the future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, with implications for both national security and free speech rights. Candidates navigating the TikTok issue must weigh the potential consequences and consider the broader implications for society as a whole.