The CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, is speaking out and vowing to fight for the social media platform.
Following President Joe Biden’s move where he signed into law a national security bill that would force TikTok to be sold by its owner, ByteDance, or face a possible ban in the United States, Chew confidently stated that “we aren’t going anywhere.” He made this bold comments just minutes after in a video posted to the platform. He added, “Make no mistake, this is a ban, a ban on TikTok and a ban on you and your voice,” Chew says in the video. “Politicians may say otherwise. But don’t get confused.”
Chew went on to note that freedom of speech will be the company’s argument against the ban. He added that the bill becoming law is ultimately “a disappointing moment, but it does not need to be a defining one. It’s actually ironic because the freedom of expression on TikTok reflects the same American values that make the United States a beacon of freedom,” he continued. “TikTok gives everyday Americans a powerful way to be seen and heard.”
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More On President Joe Biden’s Signing:
President Biden’s signing of the bill gives ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company based in China, 270 days to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets or face a ban. The deadline for a sale is set for January 19, just before Biden’s term ends, with a possibility of a three-month extension if progress is being made.
Why Must There Be A TikTok Ban?
The concerns driving the ban stem from worries among U.S. lawmakers about potential data access and surveillance by China through the app. Despite the app’s popularity, the bill received overwhelming support in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, reflecting bipartisan concerns over national security and data privacy issues.
Moments after signing, Biden said,“It’s a good day for America, it’s a good day for Europe, and it’s a good day for world peace,” Biden said in remarks from the White House Dining Room. “For real. This is consequential.”
Pres. Biden: “I just signed into law the national security package that was passed by the House of Representatives this weekend and by the Senate yesterday. It’s going to make America safer, it’s going to make the world safer and it continues America’s leadership in the world.” pic.twitter.com/G2ByA6GHip
— CSPAN (@cspan) April 24, 2024
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