The clock for TikTok to divest from Chinese parent company ByteDance or face a nationwide ban in the United States has started ticking, with the United States House of Representatives voting 360 to 58 in favor of the revised divest-or-ban legislation on TikTok on April 20.

The bill, if passed by the Senate and signed by Biden, will leave TikTok with no other option but to divest from its Chinese parent company or face a ban in the US, where it has around 170 million users.

The passage of the bill by the US House of Representatives on April 20 will be a historical occasion since it is the first time that a bill has been passed which could shut down an entire social media platform.

The bill is likely to be placed before the Senate in the coming weeks, and President Biden has already said that he will sign the bill if it is passed by the Senate, which will make the legislation a law.

The bill is the brainchild of Texas Republican representative Michael McCaul, who is well known for his hard stance and has said that the bill seeks to shield Americans, particularly kids, from the toxic influence of Chinese propaganda.

Michael McCaul said, “This bill protects Americans and especially America’s children from the malign influence of Chinese propaganda on the app TikTok. This app is a spy balloon in Americans’ phones.”

The bill was modified after a suggestion by Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell in March to revise certain provisions, like extending the divestment period from TikTok’s parent company ByteDance from six months to a year. The extension was necessary to ensure that the new buyer has enough time to conclude the deal.

Also Read: Mother Warns Other Parents Online After Her Kid Fall Sick Due To The TikTok Chroming Challenge

TikTok’s US Legal Executive Shown The Way Out

The latest passage of the bill has led to the axing of the key executive tasked with addressing US government apprehensions regarding its ties to China. The US-based general counsel for TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance, Erich Andersen, was in the forefront of negotiations with US authorities over several years. TikTok was trying to allay fears that the American users’ data could be utilized by China to influence American opinion, especially with the US Presidential Elections due in November 2024.

Concerns and Responses

TikTok has been banned in many countries like India amid fears that the social media parent company is based in mainland China and could feature elements from the Chinese Communist Party. The charges have been vehemently denied by the social media platforms and said that it is committed to its independence and user privacy.

Also Read: TikTok Standard Test Meaning, Here’s What The Matchmaking AI Is All About

The Oak Forest shooting has invaded all over the social media. This mass shooting incident occurred on Sunday in Chicago in the Oak Forest area. CBS news reported that four people were shot in the incident.

Near the cul-de-sac, a huge presence of police was witnessed. Reports of gunfire could also be spotted in the southwest suburbs. 

As per the reports given by the Local Media, multiple people were in critical condition after being shot in the incident. Times Now regarded the Oak Forest shooting as a domestic incident. 

Oak Forest Shooting Suspect Caught

Reportedly, a person was caught by the police.

As per local time, around 5:45 pm, the police reached the crime spot and responded to the shooting incident. Before reaching the place, the police got calls regarding gunshots which were fired in the 5500 block of Babette Court.

On the wake of this, the Oak Forest Police Department released a statement on social media which read the following.

“Upon arrival, police officers found three people with gunshot wounds. Two of the victims have life-threatening gunshot wounds and are in critical condition. A third subject sustained a non-life- threatening gunshot wound and was released from an area hospital after receiving treatment.”

Also Read: Greenbelt Park Shooting: 5 People Shot, Sent To Hospital in Maryland

According to the police, numerous people were shot in the incident. Only one individual was arrested and taken into police custody on Sunday night, reported NBC Chicago.

A thorough investigation was launched by the Oak Forest Police Department immediately after the incident took place.

Authorities seized the entire area and declared that no more threats were sensed by the police to the public.

The Manchester Mall shooting incident took place on Sunday evening in a parking lot of the Mall. The investigation into the matter was carried out by the Manchester Police Department, reported WMUR.

As according to the police log that is available on the internet, the shooting occurred around 4:50 p.m.

The investigation into the incident is still going on. However, all the people who were related to the shooting have vacated the place. 

To block the areas of the Manchester Mall’s parking lot, Yellow police tape was made to work temporarily. However, the police team was taken down by early evening. 

Manchester Mall, NH Shooting Investigation Proceeds 

An evidence marker was found at the scene that indicated the presence of relevant objects on which further inquiry can be done. 

As per witness testimonies, a single “pop” sound from the parking lot sounded like a gunshot. 

Until now, the information about the potential injuries expected from the incident is unclear. Authorities have not released any official statement regarding the incident yet. 

Also Read: Greenbelt Park Shooting: 5 People Shot, Sent To Hospital in Maryland

As per Patch, an investigation is going on in the Mall of New Hampshire by the law enforcement agencies.