TikTok Could Face Nationwide Ban In The US Unless It Changes Hands

Content creators in the United States could soon lose access to TikTok if the Chinese-owned application isn’t sold. This news comes as the Joe Biden administration threatens a blanket ban on the popular social media platform.

According to NPR, it’s currently unclear if the network has been given a deadline to find a buyer with whom the White House agrees, though phones belonging to the House of Representatives have already banned the site since December.

A TikTok spokesperson said that the company is “disappointed in the outcome” following the escalation from US authorities, with the publication noting that it’s likely officials will face a legal challenge from parent firm ByteDance.

As per PetaPixel, federal authorities have long been concerned that user data on Americans could be handed over to Beijing—a worry that seems understandable considerating that over 100 million citizens are on the platform.

No one knows if an outright ban will actually happen, though it’s notable that this is the first time the President has threatened such extensive action. Across the pond, the UK recently banned the network from all government devices as well.

[via NPR and PetaPixel, cover image via Mnogomesta | Dreamstime.com]