TikTok, the popular short-form video app, faced a near-ban in the United States due to national security concerns. This timeline outlines the key events leading to the almost-ban, highlighting the app’s rapid growth, the political scrutiny it faced, and the legal battles that ensued.
TikTok’s Rise and the Emergence of Concerns
TikTok’s journey began in 2017 with its merger with Musical.ly, quickly transforming from a niche app to a global phenomenon. However, its Chinese ownership raised concerns among U.S. officials regarding potential national security threats.
Accusations of Censorship and Data Privacy Violations
In 2019, reports emerged alleging TikTok censored content sensitive to the Chinese government and violated U.S. child privacy laws. These allegations fueled further scrutiny and led to investigations into the app’s data handling practices.
Escalating Tensions and Executive Orders
Tensions escalated in 2020 when then-President Trump threatened to ban TikTok, citing national security concerns and China’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive orders were issued demanding ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, divest its U.S. operations.
Legal Challenges and Shifting Political Landscape
The proposed ban faced legal challenges, with TikTok suing the Trump administration. The Biden administration initially paused the legal battles but concerns regarding data security lingered.
Congressional Hearings and Continued Scrutiny
In 2023, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testified before Congress, addressing concerns about data privacy and the app’s relationship with the Chinese government. Despite TikTok’s efforts to assure U.S. lawmakers, concerns remained.
The Near-Ban and its Aftermath
In January 2025, the Supreme Court upheld a law that could have led to a TikTok ban. Just hours before the ban was to take effect, TikTok users in the U.S. were blocked from accessing the app. Though the ban was ultimately averted, the episode underscored the ongoing debate surrounding national security, data privacy, and the influence of foreign-owned tech companies.
The Future of TikTok in the U.S.
While the immediate threat of a ban has subsided, TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain. The company continues to face scrutiny and potential for future regulatory action. The debate surrounding TikTok highlights the complex intersection of technology, geopolitics, and national security in the digital age.
