In a landmark move, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill on Wednesday that would force TikTok to divest from its Chinese owner or face a ban from the United States. The legislation, known officially as the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” passed with a vote of 352 in favor and 65 against, showcasing a rare moment of bipartisan unity in politically divided Washington.
TikTok, a video-sharing app that has surged in popularity worldwide, has raised concerns about its Chinese ownership and potential subservience to the Communist Party in Beijing. The proposed law represents a significant setback for the platform, which boasts 170 million users in the United States alone.
While the fate of the bill remains uncertain in the Senate, where some key figures are apprehensive about such a drastic move against a popular app, President Joe Biden has indicated that he would sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk. The White House has emphasized the importance of protecting Americans from potential threats posed by foreign-controlled applications.
The passage of this bill underscores the growing concern among legislators about the national security implications of apps with ties to foreign adversaries. It also highlights the increasingly complex relationship between technology, national security, and global politics.
