TikTok, the social media platform owned by the Beijing-based company ByteDance, has come under fire from Washington, D.C. lawmakers. Legislation signed into effect on April 24 includes a provision that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app in the next nine to twelve months or be banned in the United States. According to the Associated Press, the ban would not go into effect for at least a year and will likely take longer due to legal challenges.
Those arguing for TikTok to be banned cite multiple reasons with national security at the top of the list. Another reason they want TikTok banned: data security.