Things are getting heated in the U.S. Senate as lawmakers battle with the future of TikTok. With concerns over national security emerging, senators find themselves at odds over how to address the issue, while Americans anxiously await the outcome, fearing potential loss of access to the app.
The House of Representatives bill, which passed with a resounding 352-65 majority, aiming to compel ByteDance to divest TikTok within six months or face a ban. However, the swift passage of the bill has sparked a flurry of deliberation in the Senate, where members are divided on the appropriate course of action. Senators say they are worried about security risks but also don’t want to rush through a decision. Some want to hold hearings and write a stronger bill, while others are urging for quick action.
Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell voiced reservations about the House bill, emphasizing the need for legislation that can withstand legal scrutiny and provide robust protections against foreign apps. She hinted at the possibility of holding hearings to ensure a thorough examination of the issue.
Meanwhile, Senator Ron Wyden raised serious concerns about TikTok’s potential to compromise Americans’ privacy by granting access to the Chinese government.
On the other side of the aisle, Senator Ted Cruz advocated for an open amendment process, suggesting that thorough consideration could significantly delay any action on the bill.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew intensified the debate with his impassioned plea to senators, warning of dire consequences if the legislation leads to a ban. Chew highlighted the potential economic fallout, pointing out that billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of American jobs could be at risk.
Despite the divisions among senators, some key figures have thrown their support behind the House bill.
It’s a hot debate with no clear answer yet.
