Kevin Collier is a reporter covering cybersecurity, privacy and technology policy for NBC News.
A U.S. government ban of TikTok could push users to figure out alternative ways to access the app, something that has become more common in other parts of the world as governments have instituted varying rules on tech companies. On Wednesday, the House passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which would amount to a ban on TikTok unless TikTok’s parent company sells the app.
If a sale didn’t happen, it could set off an unprecedented situation in American history: A popular smartphone app used by half the country’s population would suddenly become banned. Under the language of the bill, app stores would be forbidden from hosting any banned app. That would mostly apply to Google, which maintains the Play Store for Android users; and Apple, which hosts the App Store. Neither company responded to a request for comment, but both historically comply with U.S. law.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Here's what TikTok ban could mean for users, businesses ahead of Congress voteExperts say a ban could ultimately cripple TikTok that has 170 million U.S. users - more than any other country in the world.
Read more »
Chuck Todd: The big missing piece in Congress’ rushed TikTok debateChuck Todd is NBC News' chief political analyst and the former moderator of 'Meet The Press.'
Read more »
TikTok Declares War on Congress, Raising Concerns of National Security ThreatThe Chinese social media app TikTok has declared war on Congress, claiming it's not a threat to national security. However, this declaration has raised concerns among leaders about the powerful, anti-American propaganda tool. TikTok executives are worried about running out of time as the app is owned by China's ByteDance, which is believed to do the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party. The app is known for manipulating news and gathering data on young people. Congress has been holding hearings on how to address the app and its dangerous algorithm.
Read more »
Kellyanne Conway Lobbying Congress to Block Bipartisan TikTok BanSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
Where does Congress go after the collapse of Senate border deal?A bipartisan deal passed by the Senate has stalled out in the House for weeks amid Republican opposition that the bill doesn’t go far enough into the issues.
Read more »
Biden says he’d sign bill that could ban TikTok if Congress passes itThe president’s support adds momentum to a push that could force the Chinese-owned app to be sold or barred from app stores in the United States.
Read more »