Recently, there has been buzz about a potential TikTok ban being implemented at the beginning of next year. For years, there have been threats of a ban, but after TikTok lost its appeal last week to the Supreme Court, it feels more imminent than ever (Inc.).
Here’s why the ban has been gaining traction.
Concerns about National Security
The Supreme Court believes that Tiktok’s parent company, ByteDance, which operates in China, could be stealing sensitive user data. They believe that the Chinese government could use this information (such as location) for intelligence operations.
It is also believed that TikTok fuels the spread of misinformation, especially regarding sensitive political situations, like the conflict in Israel or the election. Critics think that Tiktok specifically recommends content that will push a certain agenda and harm the American public (New York Times).
Another reason for the Supreme Court’s concern is a series of national intelligence laws in China, which mandate “individuals, organizations, and institutions to assist China’s Public Security and State Security Offices in their intelligence work” (Axios). This law essentially gives the Chinese government the ability to access TikTok’s data at any time, for any reason.
What does the government want TikTok to do?
According to the New York Times, the Supreme Court wants TikTok to be sold to another government-approved parent company or it will be banned. Since the main concern is data being accessed by the Chinese government, removing the app from their control would guarantee its safety in the US.
TikTok is unsure about the feasibility of its sale, believing that the Chinese government would block it from being sold. Though TikTok has insisted that the Chinese government does not currently access important user information, the Supreme Court remains firm in its decision (New York Times).
What will happen if it gets banned?
This ban could happen as soon as Jan 19, 2025.
If Tiktok does not find a new buyer, the app will be removed from app stores like Google and Apple, if they do not comply, civil penalties will be placed on them. Internet companies will also be banned from allowing users to access the website, so you could not just watch through Safari (New York Times).
It would not be removed from your phone directly, rather it would slowly degrade, as it would not be able to update as time passes. Essentially, it would become unusable in a few months.
Opposition to the ban
This ban could harm people who rely on the app for a living. Not just the rich influencers but also small businesses who receive most of their revenue from Tiktok sales and marketing.
Concerns are being raised about infringement on freedom of speech and expression. Considering that the Supreme Court cited political content as a concern on the app, many users believe this ban to be a way of censoring the media and opposition to the US government.
In a statement to the New York Times, Donald Trump has also expressed his support for the app, and it is believed that his administration may be able to save the app. The ban would go into effect a day before his inauguration, but he may be able to convince his attorney general not to support it.
However, he has not made any concrete plans to save the app, despite his insistence that he will deliver in saving the app (New York Times).
Tiktok itself plans on appealing to the Supreme Court, hopefully delaying the ban long enough for Trump’s Administration to take charge, and rescue the app (Inc.).