Recently, the Chinese Embassy has reportedly lobbied against a bill that seeks to force ByteDance to divest from TikTok over concerns about ties to China. This news comes after over a year of deliberation from Congress. If enacted, the bill would force ByteDance to separate from TikTok within 180 days or face a ban in the US.
The proposed legislation has raised concerns among critics of ByteDance about the company’s connections to the Chinese government. Former TikTok employees have accused ByteDance of sending sensitive US user information to China, despite assurances from TikTok that American user data is safe. With over 100 million American users turning to TikTok for news, there are fears that China could potentially use the platform to interfere in the 2024 elections.
ByteDance has actively fought against the proposed legislation, encouraging its US-based users to contact their local legislators in opposition. CEO Shou Zi Chew even traveled to Washington, DC to join the lobbying efforts. The Chinese Embassy’s reported pressure against the bill has only added to Congress’s frustration with TikTok.
President Joe Biden has indicated that he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk, even though it could impact his chances for reelection. Overall, the ongoing debate around TikTok’s ties to China and the potential risks it poses to US national security continue to be a point of concern for lawmakers.
