TikTok's true intentions are belied by the hundreds of billions it's leaving on the table

Contrary to the claims of TikTok itself, a new law does not ban the social media behemoth outright from the country. That’s what lawmakers said was contained in the measure that President Joe Biden signed recently, along with military aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.

Rather, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act would ban social media platforms in 270 days to 360 days. But only if they are controlled by a foreign adversary, as defined by either Title X of the United States Code — which specifically designates North Korea, Russia, Iran, and China as “covered nations” — or by the president.