House to vote on bill that could ban TikTok

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - The House of Representatives is moving forward with a bill that could ban TikTok if it doesn't cut ties with its Chinese parent company.

House lawmakers are bringing the bipartisan bill to the floor Wednesday for a vote. They say it’s a matter of national security.

“Algorithms, tracking people, it’s dangerous for our young people and we’ve got to rein it in,” said Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas).

The bill would require the Chinese company ByteDance to sell their app within six months or face a ban in the U.S.

“Our bill is not an act of censorship, it is a safeguard for our citizens, a firewall against foreign adversary controlled applications,” said Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.).

Republicans and Democrats say the app poses a national security threat.

“What we’re dealing with here is very specific concerns about the structure of this company and its relationship with the Chinese government and the Chinese communist party,” said Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.)

Opponents of the bill, including California Democrat Rob Garcia, say banning the app would violate the first amendment rights of the more than 150 million Americans on TikTok.

“To single TikTok out in this way we believe is dangerous and certainly against freedom of expression,” said Rep. Rob Garcia (D-Calif.).

Supporters of the bill say it’s not an outright ban and passing it is critical to protect Americans and their data.

“The overwhelming issue here is, do we protect our national security?” asked Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.).

The House is scheduled to vote on the bill Wednesday morning.