Biden Backs Legislation Paving the Way for TikTok Ban Amidst Data Privacy Concerns

President Joe Biden has endorsed legislation that could lead to banning TikTok in the US. The move comes amid concerns about safeguarding American data from potential access by Chinese entities.

The US House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed legislation on Thursday requiring ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok, to divest its app ownership or face a ban in the US.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has also thrown his support behind the bill, indicating that it will soon be brought up for a total vote in the House.

President Biden expressed his backing for the legislation, stating, “If they pass it, I’ll sign it,” when questioned by reporters.

While the White House provided technical support in drafting the bill, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned earlier that the TikTok legislation still requires some refinement before President Biden can fully endorse it.

Former President Donald Trump opposed the ban on Truth Social, stating that it would favour Facebook.

Mr. Trump’s stance contrasts with that of influential Republicans like Johnson and Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who view the legislation as a critical national security measure.

The FBI and the Federal Communications Commission have expressed concerns that ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, could share user data, including browsing history and biometric identifiers, with the Chinese government.

TikTok, however, has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that it has never shared such data and would not do so even if requested. However, the US government has not provided concrete evidence to substantiate these claims.

If the bill is enacted, it would effectively ban TikTok and other ByteDance-owned apps from being available in Apple or Google app stores and on web hosting services in the US.

The legislation also establishes a narrow process that allows the executive branch to prohibit access to apps owned by foreign adversaries if they are deemed to pose a threat to national security.

Dan Olczak

"Editor with expertise in politics and crime, also known for travel blogging."

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