Singaporean Shou Chew Expresses Disappointment in US House Vote to Ban TikTok

CEO of TikTok, Shou Chew, has voiced his disappointment in the House of Representatives' passage of a bill that could potentially ban the popular short-form social media platform in U.S. app stores. Chew expressed his concerns in a video posted on the TikTok Policy's X platform, stating that the bill would give more power to a handful of other social media companies.

Chew argued that if the legislation is signed into law, it would lead to a ban of TikTok in the United States. He further highlighted the negative impact this would have on small businesses, putting more than 300,000 American jobs at risk. Chew emphasised that the ban would also take away the platform from its 170 million users and billions of dollars from the pockets of creators and small businesses.

The TikTok CEO stressed the importance of the platform in empowering people to freely express themselves. He mentioned that TikTok has provided a platform for its 170 million users to express themselves and has empowered over 7 million businesses in the United States. Chew acknowledged the significance of TikTok to small business owners who rely on the platform to make ends meet, as well as to teachers who inspire millions of students to learn.

In his video, Chew hinted that TikTok would exercise its legal rights to fight against the ban. He assured users that the company would continue to advocate for them and protect the platform they have built together. Chew encouraged users to share their stories, contact senators, and make their voices heard in order to protect their constitutional rights.

The House of Representatives passed the bill with a vote of 352-65, with one abstention. The measure received bipartisan support, with both Democrats and Republicans backing the legislation. The bill, led by House China Select Committee Chair Mike Gallagher and ranking member Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, would block TikTok in the U.S. if its parent company, Bytedance, does not divest from it within 165 days of passage. It would also require TikTok to be bought by a country that is not a U.S. adversary.

It remains uncertain whether the Senate will take up the legislation. TikTok has faced criticism over national security concerns, with some expressing worries about the Chinese government's potential access to sensitive user data. However, others have raised First Amendment concerns and highlighted the impact a ban would have on small businesses.

TikTok has become a global sensation, with its popularity among young Americans raising concerns about the Chinese Communist Party's influence campaign. While the debate continues, TikTok remains committed to fighting against the ban and protecting the interests of its users and creators.

- TikTok CEO voices disappointment in House vote to ban social media platform

- CEO argues ban would negatively impact small businesses and American jobs

- TikTok empowers users to freely express themselves, says CEO

- TikTok vows to exercise legal rights to fight against the ban

- Bill passes in the House with bipartisan support, uncertain if Senate will take up the legislation.