The US government has ordered China-based ByteDance to sell its stake in the popular TikTok app or risk a national ban. The Wall Street Journal claimed on Wednesday.
Western nations, including the European Union and the US, have been approaching the app with growing vigor. Due to concerns that user data may be used or abused by Chinese authorities.
After a Chinese spy balloon was shot down in US skies earlier this year, worries in this area increased.
According to a statement from the US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, the White House last week welcomed a measure that would have allowed President Joe Biden to outlaw TikTok.
According to Sullivan, a bipartisan bill “would empower the United States government to prevent specific foreign governments from utilizing technology service. In a manner that presents risks to Americans’ sensitive data and our national security.
The political backlash and ban against TikTok, which is also the subject of a distinct piece of legislation in the US House of Representatives. Which gained more traction as a result of the Senate bill and the White House’s support.
Appearing tough on China is one of the rare issues with potential for bipartisan support in both the Republican-run House and the Senate. Where Biden’s Democratic Party holds a majority.
TikTok has more than billion users in US
TikTok claims it has more than a billion users worldwide including over 100 million in the US. Where it has become a cultural force, especially for young people.
Activists argue a ban would be an attack on free speech. And stifle the export of American culture and values to TikTok users around the world.
US government workers in January were banned from installing TikTok on their devices.
Civil servants in the European Union, as well as in Canada are also barred from having TikTok on their phones.
According to the Journal report, the ultimatum to TikTok came from the US agency charged with assessing risks foreign investments represent to national security.
US officials as well as TikTok declined to comment on the report.
TikTok has consistently denied sharing data with Chinese officials. And says it has been working with the US for nearly two years to address national security concerns.
Time spent by users on TikTok has surpassed that spent on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. It is closing in on streaming television titan Netflix, according to market tracker Insider Intelligence.
