How Long Has Tiktok Been Banned In China

TikTok Faces Forced Sale or Ban in U.S.

House Approves Measure, China Denounces Decision

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a measure that could force TikTok's China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the popular video-sharing app within 12 months or face a ban in the United States.

The measure, which passed 336-71, comes amid growing concerns over the national security implications of foreign ownership of TikTok. The app has been criticized for its alleged ties to the Chinese government and for its lack of transparency about how it collects and uses user data.

TikTok has denied any wrongdoing and has said that it is not influenced by the Chinese government. However, the House voted to move forward with the measure out of concern that the app could be used to spy on Americans or to spread propaganda.

The measure now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to face an uphill battle. The Biden administration has also expressed concerns about TikTok, but it has not yet taken any formal action against the app.

China's Reaction

China has denounced the House vote, calling it an "abuse of state power" and a suppression of Chinese firms. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the U.S. was "politicizing" the issue and using it as an excuse to "suppress Chinese companies."

The U.S.-China relationship has been strained in recent years, with the two countries disagreeing on a range of issues, including trade, human rights, and the South China Sea. The TikTok issue is likely to further complicate relations between the two superpowers.