TikTok calls on its users in the US to contact their representatives in connection with the intention to ban the platform
TikTok is stepping up efforts to defend itself against a new bill in the United States that could lead to a ban on the app. The company is urging its US users to call their representatives in Congress via messages on its platform.
Here's What We Know
According to a message that went out to users, TikTok is facing the risk of being shut down in the US and users should act now to protect their rights. This has resulted in the offices of members of Congress being overwhelmed with calls. However, this may also increase support for the bill in the government.
The bill, which has successfully passed the first stage in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, aims to ban TikTok in the United States unless it separates from ByteDance. President Joe Biden supports this proposal.
Flashback
ByteDance is a Chinese technology company founded in 2012. One of their most well-known products is the video-sharing platform TikTok, which has become extremely popular around the world, especially among young people. The company also develops other interactive applications and services, such as Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), news aggregator Jinri Toutiao, as well as a number of other products in the media, entertainment, and artificial intelligence industries.
We're getting a lot of calls from high schoolers asking what a Congressman is.
- Taylor Hulsey (@TaylorMHulsey) 7 March 2024
Yes really. pic.twitter.com/LzzvGU3UCi
Here's What To Expect
If the decision is made, TikTok will have six months to separate from ByteDance or be banned from the US entirely. The company considers this bill a violation of constitutional rights and a threat to millions of American users and content creators.
Source: Engadget
