Tech mogul Elon Musk has taken a stand against the U.S. government's proposed TikTok ban, calling it a threat to free speech – even though the move could benefit his own platform, X (formerly Twitter). 📱💥
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 360-58 on Saturday to pass a bill forcing TikTok to cut ties with its Chinese parent company ByteDance or face a nationwide ban. Legislators claim the app poses national security risks, but critics argue the crackdown sets a dangerous precedent.
'Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression,' Musk wrote on X late Friday. His comments came ahead of the House vote, with the bill now headed to the Senate.
TikTok has 170 million U.S. users – nearly half the country's population – and has become a cultural juggernaut for Gen Z. The app slammed the legislation, stating it would 'undermine free speech' and harm small businesses that rely on its platform.
Washington claims Beijing could access U.S. user data through ByteDance, allegations China calls 'unjust suppression' of Chinese tech firms. If passed, the bill would also empower future presidents to ban other apps deemed 'foreign adversary-controlled.'
As lawmakers debate, one question trends globally: Is this about security… or silencing a rival? 🤔💻
