On Wednesday morning, President Biden signed into legislation a nationwide safety invoice that might drive TikTok to be bought by its proprietor ByteDance, or face a potential ban in the USA.
Minutes later, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew responded with a video posted to the platform, declaring that “relaxation assured, we aren’t going anyplace.”
“Make no mistake, it is a ban, a ban on TikTok and a ban on you and your voice,” Chew mentioned. “Politicians could say in any other case. However don’t get confused.”
The laws signed by Biden offers ByteDance 9 months to promote TikTok, with a potential three-month extension if a sale is in progress. It might additionally hold ByteDance from controlling TikTok’s algorithm, which is credited with serving to the app rocket in recognition.
In his video, Chew means that freedom of speech would be the firm’s argument in opposition to the ban, saying that the invoice turning into legislation is “a disappointing second, however it doesn’t should be a defining one.”
“It’s really ironic as a result of the liberty of expression on TikTok displays the identical American values that make the USA a beacon of freedom,” he continued. “TikTok offers on a regular basis Individuals a robust strategy to be seen and heard.”
To that finish, Chew additionally sought to reassure customers that the app isn’t going anyplace anytime quickly, and sought to rally its customers to weigh in publicly on how necessary TikTok is to them:
“You continue to have the ability to take pleasure in TikTok such as you at all times have, in reality, in case you have a narrative about how TikTok impacts your life, we’d love so that you can share it to showcase precisely what we’re combating for,” he mentioned.
With the laws now legislation, it’s only a matter of time earlier than TikTok sues to cease it, and the countdown clock has formally began. As of writing, barring a court-issued delay, ByteDance could have till January 24, 2025 to discover a purchaser, or threat having the app wiped away from U.S. customers.
“We’re assured, and we’ll hold combating to your rights within the courts,” Chew mentioned within the video. “The details and the Structure are on our aspect and we count on to prevail.”