TikTok CEO vows to fight US law threatening ownership change
Shou Chew, the CEO of Chinese social media giant TikTok, has declared a staunch resistance against a proposed U.S. law seeking to enforce a change in ownership of the popular video-sharing platform. In a defiant video message published on Thursday, Chew pledged to utilize every available legal recourse to defend TikTok against the looming threat to its ownership structure.
The House of Representatives in Washington passed a bill on Wednesday aimed at addressing concerns over TikTok’s ownership, particularly its ties to China-based ByteDance. While the bill does not directly ban TikTok, it seeks to compel a change in ownership, potentially leading to the app’s removal from U.S. app stores if it remains under ByteDance’s control. The fate of the bill now rests with the Senate, raising uncertainty over its ultimate impact on TikTok’s operations in the United States.
Proponents of the legislation argue that ByteDance’s ownership of TikTok poses significant national security risks, citing concerns over data privacy and the potential exploitation of user data by Beijing for propaganda and espionage purposes. These fears have fueled calls for stricter regulations and oversight of Chinese-owned technology companies operating in the United States.
In response to the proposed law, Shou Chew expressed vehement opposition, warning of the detrimental effects it could have on TikTok’s operations and the broader social media landscape. He cautioned that the legislation would consolidate power among a select few social media companies while endangering hundreds of thousands of jobs in the United States. TikTok has emphasized its role as a platform for small businesses to advertise and connect with customers, highlighting its economic contributions to the U.S. economy.
With 170 million users in the United States alone, TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting a diverse user base and serving as a platform for creative expression and social interaction. Despite previous attempts by the Trump administration to ban TikTok and compel ByteDance to divest its ownership stake, legal challenges have thwarted such efforts, allowing the platform to continue operating in the United States.
As TikTok braces for a new round of regulatory scrutiny and legislative action, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to defending its ownership structure and preserving its presence in the U.S. market. Shou Chew’s defiant stance underscores TikTok’s determination to withstand external pressures and safeguard its interests in the face of mounting challenges.
As the debate over TikTok’s ownership unfolds in Washington, the outcome of legislative deliberations will have far-reaching implications for the future of the platform and the broader landscape of social media regulation. With millions of users and a significant economic footprint, TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, as stakeholders await the Senate’s decision on the proposed law.
