(PartiallyPolitics.com) – On Wednesday, TikTok declared its intention to contest a new U.S. law that threatens the operation of the social media platform in the country.
A TikTok representative emphasized the company’s resolve, stating, “This law infringes on constitutional rights and effectively imposes a ban on TikTok. We are preparing to take this matter to court. We are confident that both the facts and the law are in our favor and we anticipate a favorable outcome.”
The legislation, signed into law by President Biden, mandates that ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, must either sell its stake in the app or face a prohibition on its operation across U.S. devices and networks.
Included within a broader $95 billion foreign aid package, this measure also provides significant additional funding to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
Despite facing hurdles in the Senate after passing the House, the legislation was quickly approved by the Senate as part of the foreign aid package on Tuesday.
Adjustments were made to the initial bill to allow ByteDance a longer period, up to a year, to divest its interest in TikTok. This amendment addressed the concerns of some critics, including Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).
Proponents of the law argue that it is essential for addressing national security and data privacy threats posed by the app. However, opponents, including TikTok, argue that it impinges on free speech rights.
A TikTok spokesperson defended the company’s commitment to data security and independence, stating, “We have invested billions of dollars to protect U.S. data and maintain our platform’s integrity against foreign interference and manipulation. The proposed ban would not only harm over seven million businesses but also stifle the voices of approximately 170 million Americans.”
The spokesperson further reiterated TikTok’s dedication to its community, stating, “As we fight against this unconstitutional ban, we will continue to innovate and invest in our platform, ensuring that it remains a vibrant space where Americans from all backgrounds can share their stories, experience joy, and find inspiration.”
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