TikTok soon to be banned in the USA… and Canada?

US President Joe Biden has signed a package of national security measures, including the controversial banning of social network TikTok. With this decision, TikTok’s days in the U.S. are now officially numbered.

As part of a bill designed to strengthen US national security, a provision was approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The legislation requires ByteDance to sell TikTok within 9 to 12 months, failing which the social network will be banned nationwide.

The decision to ban TikTok in the United States was the result of lengthy debates and multiple attempts by lawmakers to restrict the app on national security grounds, due to concerns that Chinese authorities could access American users’ data.

ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, refutes the existence of any such risks and claims to have put in place significant measures to secure US user data against foreign interference.

Given TikTok’s popularity with young and old alike, who use the platform for a variety of purposes ranging from entertainment to political engagement and as a business tool, this decision could have notable repercussions.

TikTok executives have stated that they intend to take the case to court. They claim that the forced assignment is unconstitutional and detrimental to TikTok as well as to the businesses and users who depend on the platform.

TikTok’s ban has sparked heated debate in the American political landscape. Both supporters and opponents of the measure have voiced their opinions. Critics argue that banning TikTok could harm small entrepreneurs and content creators who use the platform.

The deadline for the sale of TikTok is fast approaching, focusing everyone’s attention on the outcome.