ByteDance’s TikTok Tick Time: The Race Against Time to Sell or Face a Ban in the US

The clock is ticking for ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, as a new law requires them to sell the app or face a ban in the United States. The law, which took effect on Wednesday, gives ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, with the possibility of a three-month extension at President Joe Biden’s discretion.

The White House has emphasized that their focus is on divesting TikTok in a manner consistent with national security concerns. Legislators are concerned about the addictive behavior caused by the app, particularly among adolescents, as well as its Chinese ownership. Critics fear that the Chinese government could access data of American users.

TikTok has argued that they have introduced safety controls and deny providing US data to China. However, the law seemed unlikely until recently and was included in a bill to secure aid for Ukraine after intense political negotiations in Congress. ByteDance may challenge the law in court, prolonging the process for months or even years.

The future of TikTok remains uncertain as questions arise about ByteDance’s willingness to sell the app, the Chinese government’s approval, and potential legal challenges. The app vows to continue to innovate and ensure that Americans can continue enjoying the platform for self-expression and inspiration.