Congress Passed a Bill That Could Ban TikTok. Now Comes the Hard Part.

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the passage of a bill by the U.S. Congress that could force the sale or ban of the video app TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. The article outlines the key challenges and complications that are likely to arise as a result of this legislation.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Congress Passed a Bill That Could Ban TikTok. Now Comes the Hard Part.

1. What are the key concerns that led Congress to pass the bill to force the sale or ban of TikTok?

• Congress passed the measure citing national security concerns because of TikTok's Chinese ties. Both lawmakers and security experts have said there are risks that the Chinese government could lean on ByteDance for access to sensitive data belonging to its 170 million U.S. users or to spread propaganda.

2. What are the key challenges and complications that are likely to arise from this legislation?

• The proposed law will likely face legal challenges and possible resistance from Beijing, which could block the sale or export of the technology.
• It is unclear who has the resources to buy TikTok, since it will carry a hefty price tag.
• The issue could take months or even years to settle, during which the app would probably continue to function for U.S. consumers.
• The process is likely to get even more complicated after the bill is signed into law by President Biden.

[02] After President Biden signs the bill to force a sale of the video app or ban it, the legislation will face court challenges, a shortage of qualified buyers and Beijing's hostility.

1. What are the potential court challenges and resistance that the legislation may face?

• The proposed law is likely to face legal challenges, as well as possible resistance from Beijing, which could block the sale or export of the technology.

2. What are the challenges in finding a qualified buyer for TikTok?

• It is unclear who has the resources to buy TikTok, since it will carry a hefty price tag.

3. How does Beijing's hostility add to the complications?

• Beijing's hostility could block the sale or export of the TikTok technology, further complicating the process.

4. How long is the issue expected to take to settle?

• The issue could take months or even years to settle, during which the app would probably continue to function for U.S. consumers.