TikTok, the short-form video app, has taken the world by storm, boasting millions of users in the United States alone. However, the app is now facing a significant threat: a potential ban in the US. Unless TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, divests it, the app could be shut down in the country. This situation has raised many questions, most prominently: Why Do They Want To Ban Tiktok?
The core of the issue revolves around national security concerns. US officials and lawmakers are worried about TikTok’s ties to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. These concerns have led to legislative actions and legal challenges, creating a complex situation with significant implications for the app’s future in the US.
National Security Concerns: The Primary Driver Behind the Ban
The primary reason cited by US authorities for wanting to ban TikTok centers on national security. The concern stems from ByteDance’s origin in China and the potential influence of the Chinese government. US officials fear that the Chinese government could compel ByteDance to share user data collected from TikTok’s estimated 170 million users in the United States.
The US Justice Department has explicitly stated that TikTok poses “a national-security threat of immense depth and scale” due to its Chinese parentage and the vast amount of data it collects on American users. This data, they argue, could be exploited by Beijing, raising serious concerns about the privacy and security of US citizens. The fear is not just about data collection, but also about potential manipulation of the content Americans see, raising concerns about propaganda and influence operations.
Legislative and Legal Battles: The Path to a Potential Ban
These national security anxieties led to concrete action in Washington. In April 2024, the US Congress passed a bill, which was subsequently signed into law by President Joe Biden. This law mandates that ByteDance must sell TikTok to a buyer approved by the US government within nine months. Failure to do so would result in TikTok being banned across the United States.
TikTok and ByteDance have vehemently denied any links to the Chinese government and refuted claims that user data would be handed over to Beijing. They have also consistently stated they would not sell the app. In response to the ban legislation, they have launched multiple legal challenges, arguing that the law is “unconstitutional.” They contend that it infringes on free speech rights and would have a “staggering” negative impact by effectively censoring millions of American users. The companies have warned that even a temporary ban in early 2025 would inflict “devastating effects” on their operations and user base.
Donald Trump’s Evolving Stance: A Possible Turnaround?
Interestingly, former President Donald Trump, who himself attempted to ban TikTok in 2020 during his time in the White House, now appears to be offering a potential lifeline to the app. Despite his previous efforts to ban TikTok, Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to delay the current ban, stating he wants to pursue a “political resolution.”
Trump’s opposition to the current ban and his intention to find a “political means” to address the issue have injected uncertainty into TikTok’s fate. His lawyer filed a legal brief stating Trump “opposes banning TikTok” and intends to resolve the issues through political channels once he assumes office. Furthermore, Trump’s meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in December has fueled speculation that he might intervene to prevent the ban from taking effect.
The Supreme Court heard arguments from TikTok and ByteDance on January 10th and is currently deliberating whether to overturn a lower court ruling that upheld the ban. A decision is expected imminently. If the Supreme Court upholds the ban, it remains unclear how Trump could prevent TikTok from going offline, as repealing the law would require new legislation passed by both houses of Congress. A lawyer representing TikTok and ByteDance told the Supreme Court that if the ban proceeds, TikTok would “go dark” in the US on January 19th.
How Would a TikTok Ban Practically Work?
If the ban is enforced, it would primarily target online marketplaces and web hosting services. App stores, such as Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, would be legally obligated to remove TikTok from their platforms in the US. This would prevent new users from downloading the app.
It’s important to note that the ban wouldn’t automatically delete the TikTok app from phones of users who have already downloaded it. However, these users would no longer receive app updates, including crucial security patches and bug fixes. Over time, this lack of updates could render the app increasingly vulnerable and eventually unusable.
The law focuses on preventing the distribution, updating, and maintenance of apps controlled by “US adversary countries” within the United States. Individuals who find ways to continue using TikTok despite the ban would seemingly not be penalized. Instead, the law targets those who facilitate access to the app, with potential fines of up to $5,000 per user for violations. The legislation grants the president broad authority to restrict apps linked to China, as well as Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Data Collection Practices: What Information Does TikTok Gather?
Underlying the national security concerns is the issue of data collection. TikTok’s algorithm, which personalizes content recommendations for users, relies heavily on user data. TikTok collects data on user interactions, device information, location, and even keystroke patterns to curate the “For You” feed.
While some researchers argue that TikTok collects more data than other platforms to fuel its highly personalized system, it’s crucial to acknowledge that other social media giants like Facebook and Instagram also collect vast amounts of user data. The concern with TikTok is less about the type of data collected and more about who has access to it and how it could potentially be used given the geopolitical context.
Global Precedents: TikTok Bans in Other Nations
The US is not alone in considering or implementing restrictions on TikTok. India, previously one of TikTok’s largest markets, banned the app in June 2020. Governments in Iran, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Somalia have also imposed bans at different times.
Furthermore, the UK government and the European Commission have banned TikTok from official work devices for staff, citing security concerns. The BBC has also advised its staff to remove TikTok from corporate phones due to similar security considerations. These global actions highlight a broader trend of governments and institutions grappling with the potential risks associated with TikTok and similar apps with international ties.
Conclusion: A Complex Web of Security, Politics, and Technology
The potential ban of TikTok in the US is a multifaceted issue driven primarily by national security concerns related to its Chinese parent company and data collection practices. These concerns have manifested in legislative actions and legal battles, with the future of the app hanging in the balance. Adding further complexity is the evolving political landscape, particularly the shifting stance of Donald Trump, who could potentially influence the outcome. Ultimately, the TikTok saga reflects the intricate intersection of technology, national security, and international politics in the digital age.
