The legislation signed by President Joe Biden mandates China-based ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to divest its U.S. assets within 270 days or face a ban. However, in a defiant response to Biden's signing of legislation aimed at banning TikTok in the United States, the chief executive of the popular short video app, Shou Zi Chew expressed confidence in winning a legal challenge against the move.
TikTok CEO Confident in Legal Victory Against U.S. Ban Despite Biden's Signing of Legislation
Chew stated in a video released on Wednesday that the company remains resolute despite the new law. He assured users, "Rest assured – we aren't going anywhere," and asserted that TikTok expects to prevail in the legal battle, citing support from facts and the Constitution.
Under the new law, Biden has set a deadline of 19th January 2025 for ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. operations, with a provision to extend the deadline by three months if deemed necessary. The political landscape adds intrigue, as Biden gears up for a potential second term while his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, eyes a return to office.
The battle over TikTok, which has spanned four years, underscores the broader conflict between Washington and Beijing in the realm of technology and internet governance. The bill's passage follows concerns among U.S. lawmakers about the potential for Chinese surveillance and data access through TikTok.
TikTok intends to challenge the legislation on First Amendment grounds, with users expected to join legal actions against the ban. Previous legal battles have seen mixed outcomes, with a U.S. judge in Montana blocking a state ban on TikTok in November 2023, citing free-speech concerns.
Critics warn that the legislation could set a dangerous precedent for government control over social media platforms. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) cautioned against excessive government intervention in online spaces.
Despite concerns over potential abuse of power, the legislation equips the Biden administration with stronger legal tools to enforce the ban if ByteDance fails to comply. The law also grants the White House authority to address security threats posed by foreign-owned apps.
Democratic Senator Ron Wyden voiced apprehension over the legislation, citing its potential infringement on Americans' First Amendment rights. Meanwhile, Republican figures, including former President Trump, have weighed in on the controversy, with Trump accusing Biden of advocating for the ban.
Amid the uncertainty, Biden's re-election campaign has affirmed its intention to maintain a presence on TikTok, contrasting with Trump's campaign, which has refrained from joining the platform.
The signing of the legislation marks another chapter in the ongoing saga surrounding TikTok's fate in the United States, highlighting the complex interplay between national security concerns, free speech rights, and geopolitical tensions in the digital age.
