This morning, according to Thai time, the United States Senate passed a package of laws with a score of 79-18, one of which includes a law requiring Bytedance to separate TikTok in the US, with a deadline of 1 year to find a buyer for the business. Otherwise, the app will be banned in the country, with initial deadlines set following the presidential election in November.
The other 3 accompanying laws include provisions to aid militarily Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. While Bytedance’s stance may not allow for the sale of the business in the US, in order to prevent both the company’s algorithms and sensitive data falling into the hands of the United States government.
However, there are objections to this ban order from the US side, claiming it violates the Constitution, specifically the First Amendment regarding freedom of speech, religion, and media. Rand Paul from Kentucky’s Republican Party expects the US Supreme Court to challenge this law.
Source: Bloomberg
TLDR: The US Senate passed laws including one requiring Bytedance to separate TikTok in the US within a year, facing objections over potential violations of constitutional rights.
Leave a Comment