BREAKING: US House Votes to Ban TikTok, Reason Emerges
- The US House has approved legislation that would require TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell it within 180 days or risk having the app barred from app stores and web hosting services in the United States
- The vote in favour was overwhelming, but that does not ensure the measure will become law
- TikTok said the banning of a social media platform would amount to a violation of the free speech rights of millions of Americans
Washington, USA - On Wednesday, March 13, the US House passed legislation banning the popular video-sharing app TikTok unless it part ways with its Chinese parent company.
As reported by CNN, lawmakers supportive of the bill have argued TikTok poses a national security threat because the Chinese government could use its intelligence laws against ByteDance, forcing it to hand over the data of US app users.
Source: UGC
The vote by the house of representatives members was a landslide, with 352 Congress members voting in favour and only 65 against, according to Guardian UK.
The development is considered a major challenge to one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, used by 170 million Americans.
PAY ATTENTION: All celebrity news in one place! Follow YEN's Facebook Broadcast channel and read on the go.
Shortly after passage, House majority leader, Steve Scalise, said via X (formerly Twitter):
"This is a critical national security issue. The Senate must take this up and pass it."
Legit.ng reports that the White House has long expressed concern about the alleged national security risks of TikTok.
TikTok fuming
TikTok has said the banning of a social media platform would amount to a violation of the free speech rights of millions of Americans.
If a law is enacted, the fight might not end there: TikTok has mounted legal challenges against other efforts to ban the app.
Biden to sign bill to ban TikTok in US
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that US President Joe Biden said he would sign legislation seeking to ban TikTok in the country.
Legislation passed through the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce unanimously on Thursday, March 7, 2024, called China's ByteDance to divest its ownership of TikTok or effectively face a US ban.
New feature: Сheck out news that is picked for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
Berlinda Entsie (Copy Editor) Berlinda Entsie is a Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh. She has worked as a proofreader and editor since 2016. Berlinda has over 5 years' experience editing and writing for leading publications in Ghana. She previously worked with Graphic Communications Group LTD, Business Insider SSA and Pulse.com.gh. She obtained a B.A in English Studies from the Methodist University College in 2016 and a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the GH Media School in 2019. Reach out to her via berlinda.entsie@yen.com.gh
Augustine Fenuku Augustine Fenuku has over 5 years of experience in SMM and journalism and serves as the Entertainment Assistant at YEN. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon. Augustine Fenuku has contributed his expertise to many brands. Email: augustine.fenuku@yen.com.gh
