TikTok vows to fight ‘unconstitutional’ US ban
TikTok has announced its intention to contest in court what it deems an “unconstitutional” law that threatens its potential sale or ban in the United States. President Biden recently signed a bill into law mandating TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest the app within nine months or face US blocking.
This legislation stems from concerns about TikTok’s potential sharing of user data with the Chinese government, allegations the company consistently refutes. Shou Zi Chew, TikTok’s CEO, expressed confidence in the legal battle, asserting their alignment with both the facts and constitutional principles. He assured users of TikTok’s steadfast commitment to defending their rights.
In a video shared on the platform, Chew strongly criticized the bill, urging users to share their positive experiences with TikTok. He emphasized the ramifications of the law as tantamount to a ban on both the platform and its users’ voices.
TikTok, in a separate statement, emphasized its belief that both the facts and the law support its position. The company highlighted its substantial investments aimed at safeguarding US data and ensuring the platform remains free from external influence or manipulation.
The bill was part of a legislative package that included military assistance for various US allies in the Indo-Pacific region. It garnered significant bipartisan support, with 79 Senators voting in favor and 18 opposing it.
Senator Marco Rubio, the leading Republican on the Intelligence Committee, criticized past negligence in allowing a Chinese company to control such a popular American app, describing it as a perilous oversight.
