Next week, the U.S House of Representatives plans to vote on a new bill that could force ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok, to sell the app within six months or risk being banned in the US.

The Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously approved the bill on Thursday, signaling strong support for the move. Lawmakers are concerned about TikTok's ties to China's government and potential threats to national security.

The proposed legislation, introduced by Republican Representative Mike Gallagher and Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, would give ByteDance 165 days to divest from TikTok. If ByteDance fails to do so, major app stores like Apple and Google would be prohibited from offering TikTok.

Representative Gallagher likened the bill to a surgical procedure, aimed at removing the threat posed by TikTok while allowing the app to continue operating independently.

TikTok has argued against the bill, claiming it amounts to a total ban and infringes on free speech rights. The company insists it has not shared US user data with the Chinese government.

This isn't the first time TikTok has faced scrutiny in the US. Former President Donald Trump attempted to ban the app in 2020, but his efforts were blocked by the courts. Despite previous setbacks, lawmakers are determined to address national security concerns surrounding TikTok's ownership.

Representative Frank Pallone expressed hope that the legislation would lead to TikTok's divestment, ensuring that American users can continue using the app without fear of foreign control.

The outcome of the upcoming House vote will determine the future of TikTok in the United States, impacting millions of users and businesses alike.

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