Banning TikTok: The Collision of Geopolitics and Everyday Life

Understand the full story behind TikTok's U.S. controversy. Explore its national security risks, cultural impact, and implications for creators, small businesses, and the future of social media. Prepare for a world without TikTok.

The TikTok controversy has grown into a multifaceted debate that intertwines national security, free speech, economic implications for creators and small businesses, and geopolitical power struggles.

President Biden has already signed a TikTok ban into law, mandating ByteDance divest TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19, 2025. Therefore, it is crucial to dissect the key concerns, unpack the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) resistance to selling the app, and explore the ripple effects this decision could have across industries and communities.

National Security Concerns: What’s Really at Stake?

At the heart of the controversy are national security concerns. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is headquartered in China, where laws compel businesses to cooperate with government data requests. Critics fear that user data from U.S. citizens—including location, browsing habits, and biometric information—could be accessed by the CCP for espionage or influence campaigns.

Moreover, TikTok’s algorithm, which dictates content visibility, has raised alarm bells. Theoretically, the CCP could manipulate the algorithm to amplify divisive content, sowing discord or influencing public opinion during critical moments, such as elections. While TikTok executives insist that U.S. data is stored domestically and safeguarded, these assurances haven’t allayed fears in Washington.

Real-World Instances of TikTok Monitoring Users

Concerns about TikTok’s data privacy practices have been substantiated by several incidents where the app was used to monitor individuals, including journalists. These cases have heightened fears that the Chinese government could exploit the platform for espionage, increasing restrictions on smartphone use in high-security environments.

1. Surveillance of Journalists by ByteDance Employees

• Incident: In December 2022, ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, admitted that some of its employees accessed data from U.S. journalists to identify sources of internal leaks.
• Details: The employees obtained IP addresses and other data to track the journalists’ physical locations.
• Outcome: ByteDance stated that the involved employees were terminated following an internal investigation.
• Source: TikTok Admits It Spied on US Journalists as App Faces Potential Ban

2. Justice Department Investigation into ByteDance

• Incident: In March 2023, reports emerged that the U.S. Department of Justice was investigating ByteDance for potentially spying on U.S. citizens, including journalists.
• Details: The investigation focused on whether TikTok was used to monitor the locations of specific American citizens without their consent.
• Source: Justice Department Investigating TikTok Parent Company ByteDance for Possible Spying on U.S. Citizens

3. Internal Surveillance Practices

• Incident: In October 2022, Forbes reported that a team at ByteDance planned to surveil certain U.S. citizens through TikTok.
• Details: The plan aimed to monitor the physical location of specific individuals.
• Outcome: TikTok claimed that the tracking method suggested by the report was not feasible because the platform does not collect precise GPS information.
• Source: TikTok denies it could be used to track US citizens

How TikTok Accesses Device Information

TikTok can access various aspects of a user’s device, including:

• Location Data: While TikTok has stated that it does not collect precise GPS information, it can access approximate location data based on the user’s internet connection.
• Device Information: The app can gather details about the device model, operating system, and other installed applications.
• Keystroke Patterns: Concerns have been raised about TikTok’s ability to monitor keystroke patterns, which could potentially capture sensitive information.

Why High-Security Facilities Restrict Devices

Due to these security concerns, many high-security facilities have implemented strict policies regarding smartphone use:

• Device Bans: Some institutions prohibit using personal devices within specific areas to prevent unauthorized data access or surveillance.
• App Restrictions: Government agencies and organizations have banned the installation of TikTok on official devices, citing national security risks.

These measures aim to mitigate potential espionage threats posed by applications that can access sensitive user data.

Why the CCP Won’t Sell TikTok at Any Price

The refusal of the CCP to allow ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations is deeply rooted in more than financial or operational concerns. TikTok is not just a business—it’s a strategic asset. From Beijing’s perspective, TikTok’s global reach represents an unprecedented opportunity to wield soft power and gather intelligence. Selling TikTok would set a precedent that the CCP might perceive as a loss of sovereignty over its businesses, undermining China’s stance in global trade negotiations.

Additionally, selling TikTok could reveal sensitive technological innovations within its algorithm, potentially giving the U.S. a competitive edge in the race for AI dominance. For these reasons, Beijing has implemented export restrictions on TikTok’s technology, making any sale virtually impossible.

Implications for Creators and Small Businesses

A ban would be catastrophic for millions of creators and small businesses that rely on TikTok. TikTok has become a vital marketing channel, offering unparalleled organic reach and engagement. Small businesses, in particular, have benefited from the platform’s algorithm, which allows niche products to go viral without significant advertising budgets.

If TikTok disappears, creators and businesses will face the daunting task of rebuilding their audiences on alternative platforms. This transition is neither seamless nor guaranteed to replicate TikTok’s success. Creators who have invested years into crafting their brand on TikTok could lose their primary revenue streams overnight.

Cultural Blindness to National Security Concerns

Despite these significant security risks, a prevailing cultural sentiment in the U.S. often prioritizes the perceived personal and professional benefits of TikTok over its potential dangers. For many, TikTok represents a source of entertainment, a source for attention, community, and financial opportunity. This attitude can lead to apathy or outright dismissal of the security concerns raised by experts and lawmakers.

• Normalization of Risks: Many users view TikTok’s benefits—such as viral fame, marketing success, and creative expression—as outweighing abstract data misuse or surveillance threats.
• Resistance to Change: The app’s role in creating overnight influencers and offering small businesses a low-cost marketing platform has entrenched its importance in daily life.
• Lack of Awareness: A significant portion of the population remains unaware of or indifferent to how TikTok can exploit data and influence public opinion.

This cultural indifference raises critical questions:

• Are individuals and businesses willing to trade security for convenience and entertainment?
• What role should personal responsibility play in evaluating the risks of platforms like TikTok?
• How can awareness campaigns bridge the gap between technical warnings and public perception?
• Should the government prioritize education about data security alongside enforcement measures?

Is This a Free Speech Issue?

Some argue that banning TikTok infringes upon free speech rights protected under the First Amendment. While the First Amendment guarantees freedom of expression, it does not extend to foreign-owned platforms operating in the U.S. The government’s authority to regulate or ban apps hinges on national security, not speech suppression.

However, this raises complex questions: Can a ban on a communication platform be construed as a free speech violation if it disproportionately affects users’ ability to express themselves? Legal experts suggest the courts evaluate whether the ban is narrowly tailored to address specific security concerns or imposes broader, unconstitutional restrictions on speech.

The Role of the Supreme Court

With the TikTok ban already signed into law, the Supreme Court’s involvement will focus on its constitutionality. The current case, TikTok Inc. v. United States, will evaluate whether the law balances national security and individual rights appropriately. Additionally, it will assess the extent of the president’s authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in enforcing such a ban. The Court’s ruling could have far-reaching implications for how the U.S. handles foreign-owned tech platforms.

For more details, you can read about the case in this New York Times article, this Washington Post analysis, and this Reuters report.

What Businesses Can Do if TikTok Disappears

The potential loss of TikTok underscores the importance of diversification for businesses. Companies reliant on TikTok should begin building presences on alternative platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat Spotlight. Email marketing and owned media—such as blogs or proprietary apps—should also become priorities to mitigate reliance on any single platform.

Businesses can take proactive steps, such as:

• Repurposing TikTok content: Adapt short-form videos for other platforms to maintain audience engagement.
• Investing in SEO: Drive organic traffic to your website by optimizing content for search engines improving visibility and engagement.
• Exploring partnerships: Collaborate with influencers who maintain diverse followings across multiple platforms to reduce reliance on any single app. Enhancing direct-to-consumer strategies: Build loyalty programs, strengthen email marketing, and develop proprietary apps to establish more direct communication with your audience.

Businesses can build resilience against disruptions in the social media landscape. By diversifying platforms and implementing robust content strategies

Questions:

• How should individuals balance platforms like TikTok’s convenience and personal benefits against broader security concerns?
• What responsibility do tech companies have to ensure transparency and protect user data?
• Should governments prioritize public awareness campaigns to bridge the gap between technical warnings and cultural perception?
• Are businesses and individuals prepared for the consequences of losing platforms like TikTok?

My Final Thoughts

The TikTok controversy underscores the complex interplay of technology, geopolitics, and personal freedoms. While the app has undoubtedly transformed marketing and social media, its potential risks to national security and data privacy cannot be ignored. As these debates continue, the need for critical thinking, adaptability, and proactive strategies has never been greater. Whether TikTok remains or disappears, stakeholders must prepare for a digital landscape defined by rapid change and complex challenges.