TikTok, the popular social media app, is urging its users to take action against a potential ban in the United States. The app has been sending push notifications to its millions of American users, alerting them about a new bill that could force TikTok to be sold in order to remain available in US app stores. The push notifications state, “TikTok is at risk of being shut down in the US. Call your representative now.” Users are then directed to “speak up now” and given a shortcut to dial their representative’s office based on their zip code.
These push alerts are already having an impact, with House staffers reporting a flood of calls coming in. In fact, some offices have been surprised to receive calls from high schoolers who are unfamiliar with what a Congressman is. However, despite the increased attention, TikTok’s resistance to the bill may not be achieving the desired effect. The influx of calls may actually be “backfiring” and increasing support for the bill among members of Congress.
The bill, introduced by members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has been gaining traction. It recently cleared its first legislative hurdle with a unanimous vote. President Joe Biden, whose administration has also sought to force TikTok’s divestiture, is reportedly supportive of the bill. If passed, TikTok would have about six months to separate from its parent company, ByteDance, or face an app store ban.
TikTok has strongly opposed this bill, arguing that it would result in a total ban of the app in the US and infringe upon Americans’ Constitutional right to free expression. The company believes that this legislation will not only harm millions of businesses and deny artists an audience but also disrupt the livelihoods of countless creators across the country. Digital rights groups, including the ACLU, have also expressed opposition to the bill, calling it unconstitutional. Some argue that comprehensive privacy legislation would be a more effective way to protect Americans’ data.
TikTok is rallying its users to contact their representatives and voice their opposition to the bill that could potentially lead to the app being banned in the US. The push alerts have prompted a surge in calls, although it remains to be seen whether this increased attention will have the desired impact. As the bill moves forward, it faces both support and opposition from members of Congress and digital rights groups.
The future of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance and we’ll keep you updated, on Fan Reviews News.
