Could Tik Tok be banned in America?
If you’ve found yourself on #USTikTok over the past few weeks, you’ve likely seen claims of Tik Tok's end in America. This news comes by way of 10-second videos overlaid with ‘memeable’ audio signaling that even the thought, is laughable.
After all, the United States is the most active market with a reported community of 150 million users. But a quick Google search will show that it’s not funny, is it? It's serious (yes, that is a reference to an old Tik Tok sound) drop that tomato!
Swiftly moving on…
This isn’t the first time the US government has tried to ban Tik Tok. During Trump's administration, efforts were made to pass a bill that would allow the now potential jailbird (??) to ban the platform with one touch of a button. This obviously didn't materialise, but in Bidens era, it seems possible.?
What's the beef?
Plainly put, the US doesn't trust China's data collection practices. Lawmakers are concerned with Tik Toks parent company ByteDance, a Chinese media conglomerate, potentially handing sensitive user data such as location information into the hands of the CCP. As a Chinese company, ByteDance is subject to a national security law that requires the firm to turn over data to Chinese authorities upon request.?
Another challenge comes with the CFIUS suggesting divestment from Tik Tok, although in my opinion this doesn’t seem to solve the possible security concern. Divestment would also cause disruption for American investors of ByteDance including BlackRock, Sequoia, and Atlantic.
Lawmakers argue that Chinese authorities having unlimited access to such data could lead to intentional misinformation campaigns. America isn’t the only country worried about Tik Toks data collection process. Britain, Canada, France, and New Zealand have requested government employees to delete the app from government devices.?
Tik Toks stance?
Tik Tok sympathises with the concerns but assures the US that it is currently implementing transparent data collection practices. These include third-party monitoring, robust verification, and transparency with the US on user data systems.?
Shouzi Chew, Tik Toks CEO has also highlighted that ByteDance is actively thinking about going public but hasn’t yet solidified plans.?
Closing thoughts?
For me, this opens up a larger conversation, one I hope we will continue developing as data becomes more and more pertinent to our society. The governance of data collection varies regionally yet the impact of misused data continues to be a rising threat.?
How much awareness does the average consumer know about the amount of data they are sharing? Is it the job of the developers or the consumer to understand the terms and conditions we flippantly agree to??
There is no answer yet regarding Tik Toks ban in America and the ripple effects that it will have on content creators and global social trends but, this story is one I’ll continue to monitor and provide updates, on.?