TikTok Promises to Challenge US Ban

Shou Zi Chew, the CEO of TikTok, has pledged to legally challenge the new US law that requires the app to sever its ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, under the threat of being banned in the United States. In a video message, Chew stated, "Rest assured, we are not going anywhere," emphasizing that "we will continue to fight for your rights in court. The facts and the Constitution are on our side." He added, "Make no mistake, this is a ban. A ban on TikTok and a ban on you and your voice." He continued: "Politicians may say otherwise, but don’t let that confuse you; many who sponsored the bill acknowledge that banning TikTok is the ultimate goal." Chew described this move as ironic given that freedom of expression on TikTok embodies the very American values that make the United States a beacon of freedom. The Senate passed this law with a vote of 79 to 18, three days after the House of Representatives approved it with strong bipartisan support. Under the law, ByteDance will be required to sell the app or remove it from Apple and Google app stores in the United States.