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TikTok Under Scrutiny: New Bill Calls for Review and Possible Prohibition
The Latest in the Regulation of the Video-Sharing App
Legal Sidebar: Part 2
In a significant development, President Joe Biden has signed legislation that empowers the Secretary of Commerce to undertake a comprehensive review of certain transactions involving TikTok, the widely popular video-sharing app.
This move follows the House's passage of legislation on Saturday that could potentially lead to a nationwide ban of TikTok if its Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, fails to divest the app within the next year.
These latest developments are part of a broader effort by US lawmakers to address concerns over TikTok's potential use as a tool for foreign influence and national security risks. The app's data collection practices, close links to the Chinese government, and potential for influence operations have raised significant alarm among US officials.
The new legislation signed by President Biden grants the Secretary of Commerce the authority to review and potentially prohibit any transaction involving TikTok that could pose a threat to national security or critical infrastructure. This review will focus on a range of factors, including the app's connection to foreign entities, its data collection and sharing practices, and its potential for use in foreign influence campaigns.
The legislation also includes provisions for increased transparency and accountability from TikTok. The company will be required to provide regular reports to the US government regarding its data collection and sharing practices, as well as its efforts to mitigate potential security risks.
These latest actions underscore the increasing scrutiny that TikTok has faced from US regulators. The future of the app in the United States remains uncertain, and the ongoing review and potential legislation could have a significant impact on its operations and user base.
Washington Post
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