Technology
The House voted to ban TikTok, but the app has not yet been finalized
One report found that 60% of black small and medium-sized business owners consider the ban will threaten their livelihoods.
During the April 20 session, the House voted to take the next step to ban TikTok. However, what happens next does not mean the application will probably be immediately expelled.
The ban comes amid continued U.S. pressure on the sale of TikTok by Chinese tech company ByteDance Ltd. The original version of the ban initially stalled in the Senate. However, the app’s potential to pose national security threats stays a top priority for lawmakers.
According to the updated version passed the House by Saturday’s 360-58 vote, then going to the Senate once it’s one step closer to a proper ban. The modifications include extending the sale deadline by nine months and adding three more if the sale is pending.
While Democratic and Republican lawmakers are in relative agreement, small black business owners consider the laws would threaten their livelihoods. The report found that 60% of Black small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners consider a ban could be helpful be a lossl.
Black small- and medium-sized business owners were more likely than another demographic to say TikTok was “critical” to staying in business. Moreover, 83% also said that their profits increased after promoting their services or products through the app.
Fortunately for this group, the ban will face legal challenges before it goes into effect. TikTok stays adamant that it should proceed to fight for the app’s US users. They even shared their desire to take the case to court, arguing that it might limit residents’ First Amendment rights. In light of constant news about the ban, TikTok’s CEO directly addressed the potential ban last month. published a video from TikTok.
“We will not stop fighting and supporting you,” said TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. “We will continue to do everything we can, including exercising our rights, to protect this incredible platform we have built with you.”
An elected official opposing the ban said its potential removal shows leaders are “out of touch.”
“I don’t think it will be well received,” explained Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. “It’s a sign that the bypass is out of touch with where voters are.”
A campaign by TikTok to have US users contact Congress to end the ban remains to be ongoing.