Congress Set to Pass Bill Requiring TikTok to Sell to American Company or Face Ban

The future of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance as Congress is set to pass a bill that would require the popular social media platform to sell to an American company within one year or face being banned in the country. President Joe Biden has pledged to sign the legislation into law, despite his administration’s previous concerns about the app’s national security implications.

With over 170 million American users, TikTok has become a crucial part of Biden’s digital messaging strategy, particularly in reaching younger voters. Data from the Pew Research Center shows that a significant portion of TikTok users are under 30, with a majority leaning Democrat. The Biden campaign’s use of the app has raised questions about the president’s stance on the app’s security risks and its future in the US.

While the White House has clarified that the goal is not to ban TikTok outright but rather to require a divestment, concerns remain about the app’s ties to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The legislation being considered by Congress would give TikTok a limited window to find a new American owner, with a potential ban not taking effect until after the 2024 election.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future, the Biden campaign remains committed to engaging with voters across various digital platforms. Campaign officials emphasize the importance of meeting voters where they are and tailoring messaging to resonate with different demographics. The campaign’s digital strategy extends beyond TikTok to include a range of social media platforms and digital advertising.

As Congress moves forward with the TikTok legislation, the debate over the app’s future in the US continues. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for both TikTok users and the broader social media landscape in the country.