The US House of Representatives has voted to ban TikTok, the video-sharing platform owned by ByteDance, over concerns about data security and potential ties to China.

The bill, which passed in the House, would require ByteDance to sell its stake in TikTok within a year to avoid the ban in the U.S. The legislation will now move to the Senate for further consideration.

U.S. officials have raised alarms, labeling TikTok as a national security risk due to its data collection practices. They allege that the app has gathered data from millions of Americans that could potentially be shared with the Chinese government. Such data could be used to influence users’ behaviors and political views.

In response, ByteDance has refuted these claims, denying any data-sharing activities that compromise user privacy.

President Joe Biden has expressed his support for the bill, stating that he would sign it if it reaches his desk.

The potential ban has sparked concerns among free speech advocates and may lead to legal challenges. With over 170 million users in the U.S., TikTok is a significant platform for many Americans.

TikTok’s spokesperson criticized the House’s decision, stating, “It is unfortunate that the House is pushing through a ban that could infringe on the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, harm 7 million businesses, and impact a platform contributing $24 billion to the U.S. economy annually.”

Olivia DeRamus, founder of Communia, a women-centric social network, commented on the potential ban, highlighting the livelihoods at stake for many.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew had previously testified before Congress, addressing concerns that the app might be influenced by the Chinese government. He firmly stated, “ByteDance is not an agent of China or any other country.”