TikTok facing a ban in the US? Learn about the current situation

The US government increased its efforts against TikTok over national security worries. President Joe Biden approved the US Protection Act targeting foreign-controlled apps, mandating ByteDance to sell TikTok to a US entity by January 19, 2025, or face a ban in the US.

The cause

U.S. officials allege that TikTok gathers sensitive information from American citizens, posing a potential espionage threat from China. However, ByteDance refutes these claims, asserting that it does not disclose data to the Chinese government and stores data of American users outside of China.

U.S. Congress leaders have informed Apple and Google CEOs to get ready to delete TikTok from their app stores by January 19, 2025, if the sale is not finalized by then, with possible fines for non-compliance.

TikTok retreats

ByteDance has requested a temporary legal injunction to delay the case until it is reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, leaving the future of TikTok in the U.S. uncertain and impacting around 170 million American users who rely on the app for various purposes.

Thousands of American content creators who rely on the platform for their audience will also be impacted by its loss.

What is the American Protection Act (PAFACA)?

The Protection Act for Americans Against Apps Controlled by Foreign Attorneys (PAFACA), approved on April 24, 2024, is designed to safeguard U.S. national security by limiting the usage of apps believed to be under the influence of hostile nations like China.

Law Summary:

1. The law bans the use of social networking or software apps for 270 to 360 days if they are labeled as “controlled by foreign adversaries” by the US president.
2. The law directly pertains to ByteDance Ltd. and its affiliated companies without the need for additional assessment when applied to TikTok.
3. The obligation can be prevented by selling the application to a non-US adversary entity, ensuring that control is not within countries such as China.
4. Introduced in March 2024 as HR 7521 and passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate with strong support, the bill was signed into law by President Joe Biden.
5. Introduced in March 2024 as HR 7521.
6. Passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate with a significant majority.
7. Issued by President Joe Biden.
8. Accusations have been made that the law may infringe upon the First Amendment by limiting freedom of speech. Legal actions have been initiated by TikTok and ByteDance to contest the law, while content creators are also taking legal steps against the ruling.
9. Accusations suggest that the law may infringe on the First Amendment by limiting freedom of speech.
10. TikTok and ByteDance have initiated legal actions to contest the law.
11. Content creators are also initiating actions in response to the decision.

The law forbids using social networking or software applications for 270 to 360 days if deemed “controlled by foreign adversaries” by the US president.

The law directly pertains to ByteDance Ltd. and its affiliated companies on TikTok without any additional assessment.

The restriction can be circumvented by transferring the ownership of the application to a non-US entity that is not viewed as a rival, guaranteeing that control remains outside nations such as China.

History and Authorization:

• Introduced in March 2024 as HR 7521.
• The House of Representatives and the Senate both approved it by a significant margin.
• Issued by President Joe Biden.

Reviews and Debates:

• There are claims that the law may infringe upon the First Amendment by limiting freedom of speech.
• TikTok and ByteDance have initiated legal action to contest the law.
• Content creators are initiating actions against the decision.

Sources such as Wikipedia, G1, and Connected World were consulted.