The Fight to Keep TikTok in the United States

The battle to prevent Congress from banning TikTok in the United States has been intense, with ByteDance and TikTok themselves spending a combined total of over $7 million this year alone. ByteDance set a new record by spending $2.68 million on internal TikTok lobbyists within the first three months of the year. This significant financial investment demonstrates the commitment to engaging with Congress and federal officials to prevent the app from being banned.

In addition to the internal lobbying efforts, TikTok also invested over $4.5 million in a television and digital ad campaign aimed at pushing back on legislation that could potentially lead to the ban of the app. The objective of this campaign was to educate policymakers about the impact that such legislation could have on the vast community of 170 million American TikTok users.

The latest legislative actions have further escalated the situation, with the House passing a bill that would require ByteDance to divest the social media app within nine months to avoid a ban in the U.S. The Senate is scheduled to vote on this bill, which follows a similar piece of legislation passed in March that would have required divestment within six months. However, the March bill has faced obstacles in the Senate, leading to an ongoing struggle to push forward with these regulatory measures.

While the in-house lobbying expenditures are substantial, it is essential to note that ByteDance also engaged external consultants to influence Congress on their behalf. For instance, veteran lobbyist David Urban was paid $80,000 in the last quarter to advocate for ByteDance’s interests related to the technology company legislation. This external influence further demonstrates the multifaceted approach taken by ByteDance to navigate the complex political landscape.

Looking back at the lobbying efforts of ByteDance and TikTok, it is evident that there has been a consistent investment in engaging with policymakers in Washington. In 2023, ByteDance and TikTok spent over $8 million on lobbying, showcasing a long-standing dedication to influencing regulatory decisions. Moreover, the recent surge in lobbying expenditures underscores the critical importance that both companies place on ensuring the continued presence and operation of TikTok in the United States.

The fight to keep TikTok operational in the United States is a multifaceted and financially intensive endeavor. By leveraging a combination of internal lobbying, external consultations, and strategic advertising campaigns, ByteDance and TikTok are actively working to influence policymakers and shape legislative outcomes. The outcome of the upcoming Senate vote will be a pivotal moment in determining the future of TikTok in the United States and the effectiveness of the extensive lobbying efforts undertaken by the companies involved.