TikTok Is Under the Gun with US Ban One Step Closer

TikTok has found itself in a bit of a jam, and time may be running out. The proposed ban on the app is looming ever closer.


The bill to prevent app stores from hosting TikTok in the U.S., entitled "Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act," passed the House on Wednesday, with 352 votes in favor versus 65 against. It's in the hands of the Senate now and doesn't look all that favorable for the social media platform.

As you can imagine, many TikTok users (especially influencers who bank on the app) are getting a tiny bit nervous, so you can expect rumors to fly over the next few weeks.

In the meantime, there might be an out for TikTok. The platform could be salvaged if the parent company, ByteDance, sells to a government-approved buyer within five months.

Doesn't sound like much of a choice. It seems a little shady, but it might be the only option for TikTok right now.

In case you forgot, or maybe never knew, the reason behind this proposed ban on the popular social media platform has to do with security. Your security, to be more precise. At least, that's the U.S. Government's story, and they're sticking to it.

The U.S. believes ByteDance is a national security threat. The company has repeatedly stated it doesn't collect any user data, but that hasn't had any effect at all on the proposed ban.

If the Senate passes the bill and ByteDance fails to sell within the specified time frame, the app will be banned in the U.S. The bill, in its current form, prohibits app stores like Apple and Google from hosting TikTok in the United States.

According to lawmakers, this isn't a ban so much as a "forced sale."

TikTok fired back with this statement: "This process was secret, and the bill was jammed through for one reason: it's a ban. We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service."

And hey, even Trump had something to say on social media: "If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business. I don't want Facebook, who cheated in the last Election, doing better. They are a true Enemy of the People!"

One thing we know, if it wasn't already controversial, Trump's involvement will make it so. Now, we just need Elon to weigh in.

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