US House passes bill that could ban TikTok: now what?

The United States House of Representatives this Wednesday (13) approved the bill that could ban TikTok in the country. Lawmakers from the country’s two main parties, Democrats and Republicans, largely supported the ban.

In the voting, 352 members voted in favor and 65 voted against. — far more than the two-thirds needed for approval. The allegations include the following accusations: TikTok can be used for surveillance North American population, In addition to being a propaganda and control mechanism for the Chinese government.

The bill was introduced by Wisconsin Republican Representative Mike Gallagher. It may also result in the banning of other apps and social networks originating from China or other countries deemed hostile.Like Iran.

Next steps for TikTok ban

The bill’s next step will be voted on in the United States Senate. There is no date yet when the issue will be debated by senators.

Moreover, unlike the Parliament, which largely supports the law, there is an atmosphere of indecision among MPs. US President and re-election candidate Joe Biden He has already stated that he will sign the law without resistance If approved by the Legislative Assembly.

If approved, the project will become a law that will come into force immediately in the country. As of Biden’s signature period Affected companies will be given a period of five months to comply with the new regulation.

In the case of TikTok, One of the alternatives from the Chinese developer ByteDance sell the app preferably to another company of North American origin. Otherwise the service will be disconnected from US app stores It will no longer be accessible via telephone and internet operators.

The platform is already banned among government employees and was even banned in one US state last year, but the decision has been reversed. Moreover, this almost came to fruition in 2020, although the decree was presented by Biden precisely at the beginning of the following year.

What does TikTok say?

In an official note commenting on the vote, the social network complained about the result. tiktok It has 170 million users in the United States and claims to have helped nearly 7 million small businesses.

“The process was secret and the project was forced for one reason: It is a ban. We hope that the Senate will take into account the facts, listen to its members and understand the impact on the economy,” the platform said.

Chinese foreign minister warns of possible ban “an act of bullying” without evidence and this “Eventually it will turn against the United States.”.