In recent months the debate over the TikTok ban has intensified, resulting in many different opinions. Some users support this ban because of data privacy issues while others disagree with the ban because they say it violates their free speech rights.
This controversial ban was implemented by President Joe Biden and his administration. Although this ban was supposed to take place on Jan. 19, it actually happened a couple of hours before this date. Not long after this ban, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that extended the ban for 75 days.
For the users who kept the app on their phones, they were able to resume their regular scrolling. However, the users who deleted the app from their phones cannot currently regain access to the app.
Although most users do not agree with this ban, the government backs it up with several reasons. Some of these reasons are data privacy, content moderation, and influence on youth.
Data privacy is one of the major reasons for this ban. The government says that it was designed to prevent China from taking users’ personal data. This data can include location tracking and biometric data. The U.S. has stated its concerns about this in previous years as well. This app has never clearly stated that it is not taking data, but the CEO Shou Zi Chew has stated that he is not an agent of China.
A big question everyone asks is why can’t someone just buy the app, but this is harder than people think. Several potential buyers have expressed their interest in this app but Tiktok’s parent company, ByteDance, has stated it is not looking to sell the company. Two potential buyers are YouTuber MrBeast and X owner Elon Musk. President Trump has also suggested that he is not against making a deal with the company to save Tiktok but he is not entirely sure it will work because of the past relationship between the countries.
The company ByteDance has also stated that if someone were to buy the app, the algorithm would not come with the purchase. This algorithm is what makes TikTok different from all other social media apps. Without this, Tikok would not be as enjoyable for users.
If this app gets permanently banned, then it can affect the U.S. economy. TikTok is a source of income for the U.S. through advertising revenue and by supporting small businesses that use the platform to reach customers.
Therefore, TikTok should not be banned. This app raises awareness about issues that are happening around the world, and taking this app away restricts users’ freedom of expression.