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TikTok has increased its lobbying efforts in Washington, presumably because it fears a nationwide ban. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese-headquartered parent company has been facing increasing scrutiny about its data handling and privacy policies for American users on TikTok.
TikTok steps up lobbying in Washington fearing forced dilution or permanent ban
ByteDance is trying to reverse or indefinitely delay a new law that essentially bars the TikTok app on American soil if ByteDance doesn’t divest. The company has reportedly unleashed an army of expensive lawyers and lobbyists in Washington DC.
ByteDance CEO has repeatedly stressed that it doesn’t work for the Chinese government and that it respects American laws about the safety and privacy of American citizens. However, American President Joe Biden has signed a law that essentially forces ByteDance to either divest heavily or leave the country for good.
The bill that will force a sale or ban of TikTok in the United States is now law. President Joe Biden signed a package of foreign aid bills that included the “Protectin… Support Us: https://t.co/KZfMloJWDr #technews https://t.co/gYiKVyqLx6
— Swanky View (@SwankyView) July 26, 2024
TikTok has essentially sued the American government, seeking to overturn the law. The Government should present its response this week. However, oral arguments should commence in September. ByteDance has indicated it is prepared to take its case to the American Supreme Court.
According to Bloomberg, TikTok has invested in a $4.8 million ad campaign and a full-court press on Capitol Hill and the US Constitution. Additionally, ByteDance would have undoubtedly sought the help of Washington power brokers to push its cause.
Will ByteDance shutter TikTok in America?
TikTok is facing an uncertain future in the United States of America. The platform is insanely popular not just in America but in several other countries.
However, along with its popularity, the ultra-short, crowd-sourced video-sharing platform is linked with multiple controversies and conspiracies. Not just America, but several countries have accused ByteDance of colluding with the Chinese government. Technical jargon aside, American lawmakers feel American users’ TiKTok data isn’t protected well from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party).
TikTok has already been banned in multiple countries. ByteDance is now fighting a legal battle to ensure TikTok remains operational and accessible in America.
ByteDance is trying hard to overturn the ban through legal means. It has claimed the law seeking its ban in America is, “fundamentally at odds with the Constitution’s commitment to both free speech and individual liberty.” Hence, TikTok’s survival in America may largely depend on the Supreme Court accepting this argument.