TikTok’s US Exile Looms: Congress Approves Legislation, Amid Growing Concerns Over Data Security

In a major development, the United States Senate has approved legislation that could lead to TikTok’s expulsion from the country unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sells it. This decision comes amidst growing concerns about the security of user data and TikTok’s ties to the Beijing government.

The bill requires ByteDance to dissolve its parent company and also includes foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The move paves the way for a forced sale of TikTok and President Joe Biden has pledged to sanction the law.

TikTok has denied providing foreign user data to the Chinese government, but lawmakers from both major parties in the US are fearful that the Chinese government could access data on the 170 million TikTok users in America if ByteDance doesn’t sell off its stake in the app.

If implemented, access to TikTok for Americans could be revoked, with a ban potentially taking effect in 2025. The social media giant has filed a lawsuit against this move which could lead to a long legal process. The legislation gives ByteDance nine months to sell off their stake in TikTok, with a possible grace period of three months.

TikTok’s algorithm is what sets it apart from other social media platforms, delivering personalized content to its users. Despite this success, TikTok is already banned in countries like India, Iran, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Somalia due to concerns over data collection practices. Critics argue that these extensive practices raise questions about user privacy and security.

Despite TikTok’s efforts to engage with its users and push back against this legislation, it remains uncertain whether they will be able to remain in the US market or not. If this decision were replicated in other countries around the world it would have significant implications for global trade relations as well as internet freedom.

Overall, while we wait for what happens next with TikTok’s legal battle unfolds in America