TikTok is prepared to take legal action if Congress passes legislation that could result in a nationwide ban of the app, according to an internal memo obtained by CNN. Michael Beckerman, the head of public policy for the Americas at TikTok, informed employees that they would challenge the bill in court once it is signed by President Joe Biden. The House of Representatives has already passed a foreign aid package that contains language that could lead to a TikTok ban, and the bill might soon pass the Senate as well.
Legislators have proposed a bill that requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app within 270 days or risk it becoming illegal for US app stores to offer TikTok for downloads. President Biden could extend this deadline by another 90 days if progress is made towards a sale. However, TikTok has already criticized the bill, stating that it violates users’ First Amendment rights, while supporters argue that it is necessary to protect Americans’ personal data.
TikTok has faced criticism from lawmakers and government officials over concerns about its ties to China and allegations of spying on American users. In response to these concerns, TikTok has launched a campaign to separate itself from its parent company and establish itself as an independent entity in the United States. This effort includes partnering with American companies and hiring American employees.
The proposed legislation raises questions about freedom of speech and whether it can be restricted in order to protect national security interests. Legal experts have suggested that TikTok may have a case based on First Amendment considerations. The courts typically evaluate the impacts of laws on Americans’ speech rather than just the stated intentions, which could play a critical role in any potential legal challenge from TikTok.
