On Wednesday morning, President Biden signed a national security bill into law, requiring ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, to sell the platform within nine months or potentially face a ban.
In response, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew released a video statement affirming the platform's resilience, stating, “rest assured, we aren’t going anywhere.” He criticized the bill, labeling it as a ban on TikTok and its users, emphasizing that the app embodies American values of freedom of expression. Despite the setback, Chew expressed determination, urging users to share their stories to highlight the platform's impact.
ByteDance has until January 24, 2025, to find a buyer, or risk a ban in the US. Chew remained confident, pledging to continue fighting for users' rights in court, citing confidence in the legal system and the Constitution.
The legislation's enactment marks a pivotal moment for TikTok's future in the US, prompting both concern and defiance from its CEO and users alike