TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide, is not new to controversy. The social media platform started as an innocuous place to share videos and soon became popular for its happy-go-lucky vibe where “everybody is dancing.” Over time, it has become an essential source of revenue for many individuals, from youth wanting exposure to professional dancing and arts to businesses promoting their services. However, a different picture slowly emerged with scandals like the 7M TikTok cult, fraud, and the spread of dangerous challenges and trends.
Despite the protest of disappointed users, TikTok has been formally banned from the United States. Here, we try to provide the complete picture of TikTok and why the United States decided to ban it.
The dark side of TikTok
What can a social media platform hide? You will be surprised.
From racial profiling, wealth discrimination, biometric data collection, censorship, algorithms that promote mental addiction, cults, fraud, spyware, underage grooming, and the spread of dangerous challenges… there’s a lot that can go wrong by scrolling through the platform.
The video collection below shows different aspects of TikTok that you may now be familiar with.
Why the US is banning TikTok
The United States has periodically discussed banning or restricting TikTok due to security concerns related to its ownership and data practices. These concerns primarily stem from its parent company, ByteDance, headquartered in China. Below are the main reasons:
TikTok collects vast amounts of user data, including location, browsing behaviour, and device information. Its data storage practices may allow user data to transit through servers in China or be accessible by ByteDance personnel.
U.S. lawmakers worry that the Chinese government could access this data under China’s National Intelligence Law, which mandates cooperation with government intelligence requests. This could expose U.S. users to risks of unauthorized data transfer.
Officials fear that sensitive user data could be exploited for espionage or to track government officials, military personnel, or critical infrastructure employees.
Another primary concern is the potential manipulation of algorithms to influence public opinion or spread misinformation. State-sponsored actors could subtly exploit TikTok to promote propaganda or disinformation.
TikTok’s algorithm controls the content users see. Concerns have been raised about its potential to amplify divisive content or censor topics unfavourable to Chinese interests. The lack of transparency about how their algorithm promotes or suppresses content raises concerns about its misuse for geopolitical purposes.
Some have raised concerns about TikTok’s app code vulnerabilities, which could be exploited for hacking or surveillance. Collected data could be used to create detailed profiles for targeted phishing or social engineering attacks.
How do we "fix" TikTok and other social media platforms?
Comprehensive regulations balancing user privacy, national security, and corporate accountability are crucial to secure platforms like TikTok.
Solutions to such problems involve implementing technological safeguards, legal frameworks, and consistent oversight, not just for TikTok but for all platforms with access to sensitive user data:
- To address data privacy concerns, all user data collected in the country must be stored and processed on US servers under strict privacy and security laws. This should be done in conjunction with regular audits to verify compliance.
- Mandate that social media platforms disclose how their algorithms work and allow independent audits to ensure they do not promote harmful or biased content.
- Introduce robust privacy laws, similar to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which would limit the data collected and give users greater control over their information.
- Impose regulations requiring U.S. user data to be inaccessible to foreign governments or companies without due legal process.
- Require structural changes, such as selling a portion of the company to a U.S.-based entity.
- Create a government or third-party regulatory body to oversee security and privacy standards compliance.
- Mandate secure software development practices and vulnerability testing for apps with a significant user base.
- Require platforms to disclose their moderation practices and ensure they align with democratic values, including freedom of speech.
TiTok's response
TikTok has attempted to address some concerns:
- Opening “transparency centers” to audit their algorithms and data practices.
- Proposing “Project Texas,” which would localize U.S. user data on Oracle servers in the U.S. to prevent access by foreign entities.
However, skepticism persists due to the ongoing relationship with ByteDance and the Chinese government.
A Timeline of the TikTok ban in the US
Below is a concise timeline highlighting key events leading to the current status of TikTok in the U.S.:
- August 6, 2020: President Donald Trump signed an executive order to ban TikTok transactions within 45 days unless ByteDance divested its U.S. operations.
- August 14, 2020: A subsequent order extended the deadline to 90 days for ByteDance to sell or spin off TikTok’s U.S. business, citing credible national security threats.
- June 2021: President Joe Biden revoked the previous administration’s executive orders and directed the Commerce Department to investigate apps, including TikTok, that had ties to foreign adversaries.
- December 30, 2022: President Biden signed the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act,” which prohibits using TikTok on federal government devices, with certain exceptions.
- March 13, 2024: The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7521, a bill to ban TikTok unless it was divested from ByteDance.
- April 24, 2024: President Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. owner within a year or face a ban.
- January 10, 2025: The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the federal law mandating TikTok’s divestiture by January 19, 2025, or face a ban, rejecting TikTok’s First Amendment challenge.
- January 19, 2025: ByteDance’s deadline for selling TikTok to a U.S. owner. If this deadline is not met, TikTok will be removed from U.S. app stores, and existing users will eventually lose access as updates cease.
As of January 18, 2025, ByteDance has not completed the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations. The incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump has indicated a potential suspension of the ban, which could provide a temporary reprieve for the app.
Users' Response to the TikTok ban: RedNote
Whether the TikTok app will disappear overnight or not, ticked TikTok users are manifesting their disapproval of the ban by mass-moving to another Chinese app called Red Note. RedNote’s privacy and security policies are way worse than TikTok’s, with an added flair of censorship and a communist mindset. In other words, the user’s lack of understanding of the platform’s risks is bringing social media platforms from bad to worse.
Legislators should prioritize education on the risks of social media, whether personal or community-wide, involving cybersecurity companies, education programs, and cities. It’s only in a joint effort that we can achieve a safe digital citizenship for everyone.
One Response
Great Article. Insightful