Tik, Tok, Goes The Clock!
Is this a comeback for Vine? Jokes aside, in the recent years, TikTok is currently one of the most worldwide social media platforms. With billions of active users, the app alone has allowed connections and shared creativity, and is the source of current viral trends that target audiences from the early youth, to the older generation demographic. However, TikTok’s influence has also been under hot water with the U.S. Government. As of January 19, 2025, the U.S. government is going to impose a nationwide ban on TikTok. This social media platform will likely disrupt countless American users, content creators, and actual businesses that use its channel to help promote and or connect with their current or future customers. The following section will dive further into how this transpired and what the possible future looks like for the rest of the social media platforms.
Why The Ban?
The ban on TikTok in the U.S. is not an all of a sudden decision. The app itself, being owned by a Chinese company called ByteDance, has been under scrutiny and has raised several problems that need resolution on national security for several years. The United States Government has summoned the CEO of the social media platform to a hearing and made it clear that there is a question of trust and concerns with their possible connection with the Chinese government on a private date being given and or sold to the wrong hands. Here are key points on the matter:
Private Data Breach
TikTok’s data collection has raised red flags over how much personal info it has been gathering over the years and has stored its data. They have assured this data from the U.S. is safe and secured.
National Risk
U.S. Lawmakers worry that TikTok could be a method for the Chinese government to infiltrate Americans and its citizens. TikTok has denied this claim, but knowing China, “Chinese national security requires that all Chinese companies…acquiesce to Beijing’s demands for intelligence”.
Influence on Public Opinion
TikTok could potentially be a tool to spread disinformation, i.e., sensitive political events and or elections. The U.S. Government speculates Chinese Government’s involvement. They claim that China is spreading fake news into the U.S. through TikTok as a tool to mislead American citizens. Stating the obvious, but propaganda is a real thing. With the constant algorithms being thrown at your face, there’s no way of telling who is attempting to manipulate. These micro reels and small videos can have a big impact on everyday users. This can potentially lead to unnecessary distrust within the government and its functions.
International Pressure
The United States isn’t the only country that is scrutinizing TikTok. Plenty of countries, such as India and other European nations, have taken matters into their own hands against the app. The U.S. ban reflects a wider trend of other nations taking a firm position on foreign technological, social media platforms that compromise data security.
Legal and Political Implications
This nationwide TikTok ban may potentially face legal challenges from international to domestic. ByteDance, the parent company, has already filed a lawsuit in several countries to protect its interests. Legal experts speculate that the U.S. ban will result in possible violations of free speech and digital rights. Additionally, this will likely increase political turmoil between the States and China. The two global powers, given the current affairs, will further distance themselves from each other and are less likely to find any resolutions in any other future matters and or problems.
Conclusion
The ban on TikTok is also a pivotal moment for social media, technology, and national security overall. The app has made milestone history and successfully brought people from all over the world together. Countless shares of insights regarding culture, humor, dance routines, viral pranks, news, businesses, family, and friends. It undeniably broke through all types of barriers but still raises concerns regarding data privacy, disinformation, and foreign influence that cannot be ignored. As the ban gets closer to its date, people and businesses may have to adapt to a new digital landscape. Whether the ban will happen as scheduled or change remains unclear. The U.S. has offered to buy the social media platform from them and allow it to remain within the States, but that offer seems unrealistic for TikTok.
Contact KAASS LAW
If you believe that this matter may hurt you and or your business financially, or you believe that your private data has been compromised and your personal information has been stolen through TikTok, contact us today! If any possible financial and or emotional distress occurs due to these events mentioned above, you might potentially have a case. For any further questions or seeking legal advice, representation, and or preparation for any legal documents, reach out to us at any given time! KAASS LAW