Congress Fails to Ban TikTok Despite Strong Bi-partisan Support

Washington DC, May 31, 2023 2:52 PM EDT

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(FicNews) -- In a surprising turn of events, Congress Friday has failed to pass a legislation on May 31that would have banned the popular social media app TikTok in the United States. Despite strong criticism of the app from both parties during a hearing last month, lawmakers were unable to come to a consensus on the issue.

The proposed legislation, which was introduced by several lawmakers in response to concerns about TikTok's handling of user data and its ties to the Chinese government, would have prohibited Americans from using the app and required companies to remove it from their app stores.

Many lawmakers spoke out in support of the legislation, citing the need to protect American citizens from potential privacy and security risks posed by the app. However, others expressed concerns about the potential impact on freedom of speech and the ability of American businesses to compete in the global marketplace.

Despite these differing opinions, it appeared that the legislation had enough support to pass through both houses of Congress. However, as the debate continued, tensions rose and party lines began to harden.

Ultimately, the legislation was defeated by a narrow margin, with several lawmakers on both sides of the aisle changing their positions at the last minute. In the end, it was a lack of consensus and a failure to compromise that led to the defeat of the proposed ban.

While the defeat of the legislation is a blow to those who have been pushing for a ban on TikTok, it is clear that the issue is far from settled. With concerns about the app's ties to China and its handling of user data still at the forefront of many lawmakers' minds, it is likely that the debate over TikTok will continue for some time to come.