Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.391 - Extend the TikTok Deadline Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 391, the "Extend the TikTok Deadline Act," proposes to amend the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The amendment would extend the deadline for TikTok to be sold to avoid a ban in the United States. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 14, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to grant TikTok an additional 270 days to comply with the original act. This extension could allow for further negotiations, potential restructuring of the company, or the development of alternative solutions. Ultimately, it delays the potential ban of TikTok in the US.

Potential Benefits

  • Allows more time for TikTok to comply with US regulations, potentially avoiding a ban.
  • Provides additional time for negotiations and exploring alternative solutions.
  • Reduces immediate disruption for TikTok users and content creators.
  • Avoids potential legal challenges associated with an immediate ban.
  • Offers a longer window for Congress to consider broader legislation on data security and foreign-controlled apps.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Extends the period during which potential national security risks associated with TikTok persist.
  • Delays the enforcement of measures designed to protect user data from foreign adversaries.
  • May create uncertainty for businesses and users who rely on the platform.
  • Could be perceived as weakening the US stance on data security and foreign influence.
  • Potentially allows further data collection during the extended period.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's constitutional alignment hinges on the balance between national security concerns and First Amendment rights. While the government has a legitimate interest in protecting national security, any restrictions on speech or expression must be narrowly tailored. The extension itself doesn't directly implicate constitutional concerns, but the underlying act's potential impact on free speech remains a relevant consideration, particularly Amendment I.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).