(MT Newswires) -- The US is considering the possibility of a US technology company acquiring TikTok's US operations. The issue is relevant in a context where technology acquisitions and the social media market are coming under increasing scrutiny, particularly in relation to market concentration.
TikTok has become an extremely popular application for short videos, raising questions about competition in the social media sector. If TikTok were to be sold or banned, it could lead to an antitrust review by the Federal Trade Commission and have repercussions for the overall social media market.
FCC Commissioner Carr has indicated that the buyer of TikTok does not have to be a US company, provided it is not Chinese, to address national security concerns. There are specific divestiture requirements to eliminate ties to foreign adversaries.
There are national security concerns, including potential access to user data and evolving data collection practices. Questions about TikTok's algorithm also lead to considerations about free speech and the First Amendment tradition in the United States.
The bill focuses on the distribution, maintenance and updating of affected apps or websites, which could mean that app shops and web hosts, often US companies, would be responsible for enforcing the ban. This raises questions about the consequences for US citizens and businesses.
