TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has reacted to the law that stipulates a ban on the Chinese-owned social media platform in the United States, if it’s not sold within nine months.
Recall that US President, Joe Biden on Wednesday signed a foreign aid package into law that would see TikTok banned in the US if it’s not sold within nine months.
Responding via a video message shared on the platform, CEO Chew said the app isn’t “going anywhere”.
He insisted that the new law was political.
Chew said, “Be rest assured, we aren’t going anywhere.
“Make no mistake, this is a ban, a ban on TikTok and a ban on you and your voice. Politicians may say otherwise. But don’t get confused.”
He continued: “It’s actually ironic because the freedom of expression on TikTok reflects the same American values that make the United States a beacon of freedom. TikTok gives everyday Americans a powerful way to be seen and heard.”
The TikTok boss added, “We will keep fighting for your rights in the courts. The facts and the Constitution are on our side and we expect to prevail.”
TikTok won a legal battle against former President Donald Trump’s attempt in 2020 to force the sale of TikTok via an executive order that would prohibit any US-based transactions with ByteDance if the company did not divest the app within 45 days.