TikTok has strongly criticized a US House of Representatives vote that could lead to the app’s ban.
The video streaming and e-commerce platform argued that the ban would infringe on the free speech rights of more than 170 million Americans that are frequently using the platform.
TikTok’s statement was released after lawmakers approved a bill that would force TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, to sever ties with China or face a ban.
TikTok Has Nine Months
Under the proposed law, ByteDance would have nine months to divest its stake, with a potential three-month extension, or risk a ban.
The legislation is part of a broader foreign policy package that includes aid for Ukraine and could become law as early as next week.
US officials have raised concerns about TikTok’s popularity among young people, claiming that ByteDance shares users’ data with the Chinese government.
TikTok emphasized its economic contributions, stating that the bill would devastate businesses and eliminate a platform that adds $24 billion annually to the US economy.
