TikTok warns of free speech infringement in the US if the app is banned

US lawmakers recently approved a bill that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months to non-Chinese owners or else ban the video platform from the US. TikTok representatives have responded to the decision on this bill.

Here's What We Know

Last weekend, the US House of Representatives went a step further and voted to ban social app TikTok unless ByteDance, the parent company, cuts ties with China.

If the Senate vote on the bill, scheduled for this week, ends with the same result, TikTok could be banned in the US unless ByteDance sells it. President Joe Biden has already confirmed that he will sign the legislation.

In response to Saturday's vote, a TikTok spokesperson said that if the Senate votes in favour of a ban, it would "violate the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, bankrupt 7 million businesses, and shut down a platform that generates $24 billion annually for the U.S. economy."

Furthermore, ByteDance claims that it is "not an agent of China or any other country" and that about 60 per cent of the company is owned by various global investment firms. However, it's worth noting that although the Chinese founders only own 20 per cent of ByteDance, this is a controlling stake in the company.

Source: BBC