In response to a newly signed US law that could lead to TikTok’s ban in the American market, the app’s CEO has pledged to fight the legislation in court. The law requires TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, to divest within nine months or risk being shut out of the US market.
The US government and Western officials have raised concerns that TikTok, with its 170 million users in the US, enables the Chinese government to collect data and spy on users. Critics also argue that the platform serves as a channel for spreading propaganda. However, both China and TikTok deny these allegations.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, emphasized that the law effectively amounts to a ban on TikTok and the voices of its users. He criticized politicians for suggesting otherwise, noting that many sponsors of the bill have admitted that banning TikTok is their ultimate goal.
Chew highlighted the irony of the situation, stating that TikTok’s commitment to freedom of expression aligns with American values. He assured TikTok’s users that the platform will continue fighting for their rights in court, citing the facts and constitutional principles on their side.
The ban measure was part of a larger $95 billion foreign aid package, which also included military assistance to countries like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Under the new law, ByteDance must sell TikTok or face exclusion from major app stores like Apple and Google in the US. This move comes after years of scrutiny from US authorities regarding TikTok’s alleged ties to Beijing and concerns over national security threats posed by foreign-controlled apps.
Notably, billionaire Elon Musk has spoken out against banning TikTok, arguing that such a move would contradict freedom of speech and expression.
Sources By Agencies
