TikTok CEO Shou Chew has been rather outspoken against the legislation that the US Congress recently approved requiring Bytedance, the platform's parent firm, to divest or risk a TikTok ban in the US.
Shou Chew issued a video protesting the legislation after it passed rapidly in the House. He cautioned that the bill's passing might affect TikTok's US operations and stressed the company's commitment to data security and platform security.
"Over the last few years, we have invested to keep your data safe and our platform free from outside manipulation. We have committed that we will continue to do so," he said.
The US House's record-breaking 352-65 vote showed bipartisan support for the measure, indicating thorough consideration. President Joe Biden has said he would sign the controversial measure into law, according to Fox News.
Fight for TikTok
Since Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not decided, the Senate's stance on the legislation is unclear. Before taking action, Sen. Schumer will consult with committee leaders.
In the video, Chew strongly emphasized civic involvement and the preservation of fundamental rights as he asked TikTok users to share their tales and fight for the video-sharing platform's preservation.
"We will continue to do all we can, including exercising our legal rights to protect this amazing platform that we have built with you," the TikTok chief executive remarked.
Critics of TikTok say Bytedance lets the Chinese government access private user data, threatening national security. TikTok's usage of Chinese propaganda has also raised concerns, especially among US youth.
The House's swift passage of the bill shows the growing threat foreign-controlled apps pose to US security. Elise Stefanik, a vocal supporter of the initiative, has called for new legislation to address TikTok's national security risks.
FBI Director Christopher Wray advised Americans to consider the consequences before providing the Chinese government access to their private data. Despite TikTok's denial of spying, concerns remain about its ties to China.
Although the law has reached a major milestone by passing the House, it still faces obstacles on the way to the US Senate, where it might encounter issues like First Amendment problems and worries about singling out a particular business.
Former Donald Trump Official Wants To Acquire TikTok
VC Post earlier reported that Ex-Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is now at the head of an investor group that wants to buy TikTok in an attempt to stop the site from being banned.
Mnuchin, who served as Treasury Secretary during the Trump administration, aims to bring together investors, including Liberty Strategic Capital, and emphasizes the necessity of US firms taking over TikTok.
No information about the transaction has been made public, including how many new investors were involved or how much TikTok was valued. Nevertheless, considering its worth and advanced technology, the possibility of its sale prompts inquiries about its trajectory and its function in propelling innovation.
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