US Lawmakers Pass Bill to Regulate Chinese App TikTok Ownership, Citing India’s Precedent

In a significant move, the United States House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at regulating the ownership of the popular Chinese app TikTok. The bill, known as the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, has garnered bipartisan support and is now headed to the Senate for further consideration

India’s Influence: A Precedent for Action

The passing of this bill was accompanied by a notable reference to India’s decisive action in 2020. Back then, India took a bold step by banning TikTok along with 58 other Chinese-created apps. The primary motivation behind this ban was to safeguard the country’s national security. The move underscored India’s commitment to defending its citizens’ privacy and data integrity.

What Does the Bill Seek?

The bill aims to exert control over the ownership of foreign apps like TikTok within the United States. If enacted into law, it would require TikTok’s China-based owner, ByteDance, to either sell the app or face a nationwide ban. The bill’s co-authors include Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (a Democrat) and Congressman Mike Gallagher from the Republican party.

National Security Concerns

Lawmakers contend that ByteDance’s current ownership structure poses a national security threat. They argue that the company could be compelled by the Chinese government to access and manipulate user data, including that of American citizens. The bill seeks to sever TikTok’s ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), thereby safeguarding the data of millions of Americans, especially children.

Global Response

The ambitious data collection goals of Chinese companies, coupled with a lack of transparency from TikTok’s executives, have prompted several countries to take action. Notably, governments in the United States, the European Union, Canada, and India, along with several U.S. states, have either banned TikTok’s use on government devices or expressed concerns about its data practices.

White House Perspective

The White House has expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the need to address threats posed by certain technology services operating in the U.S. The bill, once passed by the Senate, will be signed into law by the President. While it does not outright ban apps like TikTok, it underscores the importance of protecting Americans’ personal information and national security.

As National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan aptly questioned, “Do we want private data that Americans have to be here or in China?” The bill seeks to answer that question decisively.

In conclusion, the U.S. lawmakers’ move to regulate TikTok’s ownership draws inspiration from India’s proactive stance. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it remains a critical step in safeguarding digital sovereignty and privacy in an interconnected world.

Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the topic of US Lawmakers Passing a Bill to Regulate Chinese App TikTok Ownership, Citing India’s Precedent:

What is the bill passed by the US House of Representatives?
- The bill is called the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. It aims to regulate the ownership of foreign apps like TikTok within the United States.
Why did the bill reference India’s action regarding TikTok?
- In 2020, India took a decisive step by banning TikTok along with 58 other Chinese-created apps. This move was driven by concerns about national security and data privacy. The US lawmakers cited India’s precedent as they considered similar actions.
What does the bill require of TikTok’s owner, ByteDance?
- If the bill becomes law, ByteDance (TikTok’s China-based owner) would be required to either sell the app or face a nationwide ban.
Why are lawmakers concerned about TikTok’s ownership structure?
- They believe that ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government could pose a national security threat. There are concerns that user data, including that of American citizens, could be accessed and manipulated.
How have other countries responded to TikTok’s data practices?
- Several countries, including the United States, the European Union, Canada, and India, have either banned TikTok’s use on government devices or expressed concerns about its data collection practices.
What is the White House’s perspective on the bill?
- The White House supports the bill, emphasizing the need to address threats posed by certain technology services operating in the US. While the bill doesn’t outright ban TikTok, it underscores the importance of protecting Americans’ personal information and national security.

In summary, the bill draws inspiration from India’s proactive stance and aims to safeguard digital sovereignty and privacy in an interconnected world.