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How to talk about the TikTok ban
How to Talk About the TikTok Ban
If someone in your life is experiencing extreme stress over a potential TikTok ban, here's how to talk to them gently and provide reassurance.
Step 1: Sit Them Down and Explain
- Yes, the bill did pass overwhelmingly in the House on Wednesday.
- Inform them of the details: if TikTok doesn't split from ByteDance, its China-based parent company, it could be banned within 180 days.
Step 2: Reassure Them
- They might panic a little bit, but calmly reassure them that the 180-day countdown hasn't begun yet.
- Emphasize that the bill is not yet a law. It still has to pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
- Note that even some Republicans have been lukewarm on the bill.
Step 3: Explain the Context
- Congress is concerned about online safety.
- Some bipartisan opposition has pointed out that this ban could impinge on the freedom of expression of TikTok users.
- If your friend appears more agitated, repeat a popular TikTok phrase to lighten the mood — "Renegade!"
Step 4: Provide Additional Information
- Tell them former President Trump suddenly reversed his stance and said that TikTok shouldn't be banned.
- As gently as possible, inform them that President Biden has said he would pass the bill if it came to his desk.
Keywords
- TikTok Ban
- ByteDance
- Congress
- Online Safety
- Freedom of Expression
- Senate
- Legislation
- President Biden
- Former President Trump
FAQ
Q: Did the TikTok ban bill pass in the House?
- Yes, the bill did pass overwhelmingly in the House on Wednesday.
Q: What happens if TikTok doesn't split from ByteDance?
- If TikTok doesn't split from its China-based parent company ByteDance, it could be banned within 180 days.
Q: Has the 180-day countdown started?
- No, the 180-day countdown hasn't begun yet because the bill is not yet a law.
Q: Does the bill need to pass in the Senate?
- Yes, the bill still has to pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where even some Republicans have been lukewarm on the bill.
Q: What are Congress's concerns about TikTok?
- Congress is mainly concerned about online safety, but some bipartisan opposition has pointed out that a ban could impinge on the freedom of expression.
Q: What did former President Trump say about the TikTok ban recently?
- Former President Trump suddenly reversed his stance and said that TikTok shouldn't be banned.
Q: What is President Biden's stance on the TikTok ban bill?
- President Biden has said he would pass the bill if it came to his desk.