The chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee suggested on Wednesday the potential extension of the proposed deadline to force China’s ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest the popular short video app used by 170 million Americans.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted in favor of giving ByteDance approximately six months to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets or face a ban.
Senator Maria Cantwell expressed support for extending the deadline to one year, believing it could enhance the chances of success.
She indicated ongoing discussions with colleagues and a desire to address any questions they may have. However, Cantwell emphasized the need to strengthen the bill and ensure its legal standing. She cited past unsuccessful attempts to ban TikTok by the Trump administration and the state of Montana.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner are set to confer with Cantwell to devise a strategy for advancing the legislation.
Cantwell hinted at the possibility of the Senate considering the House bill but reiterated the Senate’s aim to fortify the legislation further.
Meanwhile, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell lent his support to the idea of divestiture, characterizing TikTok as a significant security threat.
This aligns with growing concerns in Washington regarding TikTok’s ties to China and potential risks to American user data.
TikTok, however, continues to assert its commitment to protecting user data and maintaining independence from Chinese influence.
The company highlights substantial investments made in safeguarding U.S. data and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
The debate surrounding TikTok underscores broader concerns about national security and individual rights in the digital age.
As lawmakers face these complexities, the fate of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, with considerations ranging from security implications to constitutional freedoms.
