U.S. President Joe Biden's recent signing of legislation has brought ByteDance's popular social media platform, TikTok, into sharp focus. The CEO of ByteDance, Shou Zi Chew, made a statement via a two-minute video posted on TikTok's main corporate account, emphasizing that the legislation signed by Biden is essentially a ban on TikTok and a restriction on users' freedom of expression.
The legislation, part of a $95 million foreign aid package aimed at supporting Israel and Ukraine, received widespread support from both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. This legislation mandates ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to find new owners within 270 days to avoid being removed from the Apple and Google app stores in the U.S. If ByteDance fails to comply, it faces the risk of being inaccessible through these major platforms. Additionally, there is a provision for a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress by the initial deadline.
Amidst concerns over security and potential Chinese surveillance ties, TikTok has come under scrutiny regarding its operations in the U.S. While certain politicians have expressed apprehensions regarding national security threats linked to TikTok, the platform denies any allegations of data breaches or misuse. TikTok plans to contest the legislation, emphasizing the protection of freedom of speech rights. CEO Chew expressed certainty in their legal battle, stating their commitment to defending users' rights in court with confidence in their position under the U.S. Constitution.