In a move echoing India’s decision to ban TikTok in 2020, the United States House of Representatives, in an unusual moment of bipartisan agreement, backed a bill aimed at regulating the ownership of apps like the Chinese-owned TikTok. Garnering 352 affirmative against 65 opposing votes, the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act could compel TikTok’s parent company ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations within six months or possibly see the app banned. This bill has received bipartisan authorship from Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Congressman Mike Gallaghe.
Congressman Greg Murphy highlighted the concern for transparency and the protection of personal data as key motivations behind the legislation, referencing the steps taken by the European Union, Canada, and other nations to limit TikTok’s use on government devices. The alleged sharing of data with the Chinese Community Party prompted several U.S. lawmakers and officials, including Murphy, to call attention to the perceived threat to national security. Now awaiting Senate approval, the bill has gained reinforcement from the White House, with assurances from Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre that the legislation would not outright ban TikTok but would ensure foreign ownership does not compromise U.S. interests.
The National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, has emphasized the importance of controlling where Americans’ private data is stored and ensuring company ownership lies within U.S. jurisdiction to protect against exploitation and harm. Despite the White House’s support for the legislation, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks expressed opposition due to the extensive executive discretion and lack of congressional oversight in the bill. House Foreign Affairs Committee member Chris Smith articulated the urgency of the bill to counteract the Chinese Communist Party’s influence, particularly on American youth, and the risk of data collection on U.S. citizens.