 "TikTok is also claiming that it has already spent over $2 billion in protecting the data of US citizens, and was actively working with CFIUS, before they stopped engaging with ByteDance. Image Credit: Reuters")
TikTok and its parent company ByteDance are standing up against a new law signed by President Biden. This law demands that TikTok sells part of its business in the US or faces being banned, which would affect about 170 million users.
They’ve brought their fight to a federal court in the District of Columbia, arguing that the law goes against the US Constitution. They’re especially worried that it could violate the free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. President Biden signed the law on April 24th, giving ByteDance until January 19th to sell TikTok.
TikTok has shared a copy of the lawsuit with Reuters, which is a significant move in the ongoing disagreement between the social media platform and US regulators.
TikTok argues that it’s nearly impossible to follow the new law, both financially and legally. They’re cautioning that if the law is enforced, TikTok might have to shut down by January 19, 2025, leaving 170 million American users without their beloved communication platform.
Congress quickly passed the law due to concerns about China potentially accessing American data or spying through TikTok. It states that app stores can no longer offer TikTok, and internet hosting services can’t support it unless ByteDance sells part of TikTok by the deadline.
The lawsuit also mentions that ByteDance is under pressure from the Chinese government, which opposes the sale of TikTok’s vital recommendation engine in the US
TikTok has invested a hefty $2 billion to ensure the protection of American users’ data. They’ve been in talks with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and have a draft agreement that allows the US government to shut down TikTok if it violates certain rules.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThis lawsuit indicates how complex and serious the situation is, raising concerns about national security. As the legal process unfolds, many are left wondering about TikTok’s fate in the US and how it will impact millions of users and social media regulations.
The lawsuit also outlines a timeline of discussions between ByteDance and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). These talks stopped suddenly in August 2022, leaving ByteDance in a difficult position. By March 2023, CFIUS demanded that ByteDance divest its TikTok operations within the United States. This shows how seriously national security and data privacy concerns are taken.
CFIUS, led by the US Treasury Department, plays a crucial role in protecting American interests by reviewing foreign investments in US businesses and real estate. Their insistence on divestiture highlights the gravity of the situation regarding TikTok.
The legal battle over TikTok’s future is further complicated by President Biden’s authority. He can extend the January 19 deadline by three months, giving him significant influence over the outcome. His decision will likely depend on ByteDance’s progress in addressing security concerns.
This legal dispute is reminiscent of former President Trump’s attempts to ban TikTok and WeChat in 2020, which were thwarted by the courts. Trump’s recent change in approach, focusing on security issues without resorting to bans, adds another layer of complexity.
Questions arise about finding a buyer for TikTok’s US operations amidst financial and regulatory hurdles. Uncertainties persist about approval from both Chinese authorities and US government agencies, highlighting the challenges TikTok faces in navigating international business and diplomacy.
The lawsuit also mentions the difficulty of moving TikTok’s source code to the United States, which would require significant time and resources.
The four-year legal battle over TikTok represents a significant battleground in the broader US-China conflict over the internet and technology. Recent events, such as China’s directive to remove WhatsApp and Threads from Apple’s App Store, further highlight the tensions and complexities in this arena.