The head of TikTok has made a direct appeal to the platform’s US user base to rally against a proposed bill that could ban the app across the United States.
In a video circulated on TikTok itself, CEO Shou zi Chew encouraged users to take action.
“Keep sharing your stories, share them with your friends, share them with your family, share them with your Senators,” he implored.
Although TikTok enthusiasts have been actively campaigning against the proposed ban, on Wednesday, the House of Representatives cast an overwhelming vote in favor of the bill.
The legislation is now headed for the Senate, and President Joe Biden has signaled his support for the bill.
Should the bill turn into law, TikTok will be required to sever ties with its Chinese-based parent company, ByteDance, within a six-month timeframe or face prohibition in the US.
Mr. Chew has not stated outright if TikTok would defy the bill’s requirements, but he has made clear to users that following the bill “will lead to a ban of TikTok in the United States”.
“Even the bill’s sponsors admit that’s their goal,” he added.
FAQ Section
What is at stake with the proposed US TikTok ban?
The potential ban requires TikTok to dissociate itself from its Chinese parent company or face prohibition within the United States.
What has TikTok’s CEO Shou zi Chew publicly stated?
He has urged users to share their stories and opposition to the bill with their senators, stating that the bill’s purpose is to lead to a ban of TikTok in the US.
What has been the response from the Chinese government?
Chinese government spokesperson Wang Wenbin has criticized the bill, claiming it goes against principles of fair competition and international trade rules, suggesting it amounts to bullying.
Conclusion
In a significant move, TikTok CEO Shou zi Chew has taken to the platform to encourage users to oppose legislation that threatens the app’s presence in the United States. As political tension regarding TikTok’s Chinese ownership continues, users and influencers on the platform are finding themselves in the midst of a debate about digital privacy, international trade, and free speech. The outcome of this bill in the Senate will be a defining moment for the app’s future in the US market. Meanwhile, TikTok and its legion of supporters are campaigning to keep the app accessible to American users. The unfolding scenario presents yet another chapter in the complex relationship between global tech companies and national security concerns.