"Congress Gains Momentum in Push to Force ByteDance Divestiture of TikTok"

A bipartisan bill gaining momentum in Congress could force China-based ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a potential ban in the U.S., citing national security concerns. The bill, co-authored by leaders of the select committee on the Chinese Communist Party, aims to identify social media apps under foreign adversary control and ban them unless they sever ties within 180 days. While the White House has signaled support, TikTok argues the bill tramples First Amendment rights and harms small businesses. Lawmakers and intelligence officials fear the app could be used by the Chinese government to access personal data and influence users, while proponents argue the bill is necessary to protect Americans' privacy and national security.