The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which could force TikTok to sell or face a ban, has passed through its initial stages in Congress. However, the bill's passage is not guaranteed.
Despite its initial success, the bill faces opposition from unexpected political allies, including former President Donald Trump. Trump's reversal on the issue may sway some senators who would otherwise support the bill.
Even without bipartisan support, the bill has a chance of passing in the Democrat-controlled Senate due to President Joe Biden's strong support. However, its progress is likely to slow down, potentially delaying its outcome for weeks or months.
Trump's change of heart stems from his concerns about TikTok's domestic rivals, particularly Facebook. He believes that banning TikTok would benefit Truth Social, his own platform. Additionally, Republican strategists view TikTok as a more favorable platform for reaching Gen Z voters.
TikTok has actively campaigned against the bill, sending push notifications to users urging them to contact their representatives. This tactic has overwhelmed some politicians with calls, but it remains unclear if it will influence their decisions.
If the bill passes, TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, will have six months to sell the app or face a ban. However, ByteDance may challenge the bill legally, arguing that it violates the First Amendment. Even if the bill passes and legal challenges fail, a sale may not be straightforward due to regulatory concerns and the availability of VPNs that allow users to bypass bans.