TikTok vows to fight US ban, asserts ‘We aren’t going anywhere’
Despite the ban, Biden’s reelection campaign intends to continue using TikTok, while Trump’s campaign remains absent from the platform
In a defiant stance against the Biden administration’s move to ban TikTok in the United States, CEO Shou Zi Chew asserted the company’s readiness to tackle the legal challenge ahead.
Following President Joe Biden’s signing of the bill targeting the popular short video app, Chew affirmed, “The facts, and the Constitution, are on our side … rest assured, we aren’t going anywhere.”
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized, “We don’t want to see a ban,” citing concerns over ownership by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The legislation, which mandates China-based ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets within 270 days or face a ban, was introduced amid concerns over potential data sharing with the Chinese government, allegations TikTok vehemently denies.
“The fact is, we have invested billions of dollars to keep U.S. data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation,” Tiktok said.
‘This is a ban on you, and your voice’
“We are confident and we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts,” reassured Chew, highlighting the company’s determination to contest what it deems an “unconstitutional” law.
“Make no mistake, this is a ban – a ban on TikTok, and a ban on you, and your voice,” Chew said in a video posted on the platform. He also emphasized that TikTok would continue to operate as the company challenges the restrictions.
Fate of 8K US TikTok employees at risk
The company underscored its substantial investments in safeguarding U.S. data and maintaining platform integrity.
“The fact is, we have invested billions of dollars to keep U.S. data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation,” it said.
Sen. Laphonza Butler, a California Democrat, urged the White House to consider the fate of 8,000 U.S. employees of TikTok, many of whom are in New York or California. “We must acknowledge the impact on TikTok workers, and our local economies, as we determine a path forward,” Butler told Biden in a letter.
TikTok to become battleground between US and China
The ongoing struggle over TikTok emerges as a pivotal battleground in the broader conflict over internet and technology dominance between Washington and Beijing.
Previous attempts by the Trump administration to ban TikTok and WeChat were thwarted by the courts. Now, with Biden’s administration moving forward with similar measures, the fate of TikTok hangs in the balance, impacting not only the company but also its thousands of U.S. employees.
Biden also uses TikTok
The bill not only targets TikTok but also empowers the White House to take action against other foreign-owned apps deemed security threats. Concerns have been raised about potential abuse of authority and violation of First Amendment rights.
Despite the ban, Biden’s reelection campaign intends to continue using TikTok, while Trump’s campaign remains absent from the platform.
Biden’s prior legislation, barring U.S. government employees from using TikTok on government phones, further underscores the escalating tensions surrounding the app’s presence in the country.
Source: Newsroom
