RIP TikTok: A Double Standard in the Digital Age·
Danielle Ernest, MS
Experienced Social Media Leader | Content Creator | Turning Ideas Into Engaging Campaigns
As we witness TikTok's potential downfall, I can't help but reflect on its massive impact on digital culture and my journey as a social media specialist. TikTok was more than just an app; it was a revolution. It redefined the way we think about content, connection, and creativity.
The controversy surrounding TikTok, however, highlights a glaring double standard. TikTok is being vilified for data practices that are far from unique. Meta, Google, and other tech giants collect and monetize our data daily, often with even less transparency. Yet, TikTok is being singled out—not because of what it does, but because of where it’s based. As The Verge pointed out, the U.S. government's scrutiny of TikTok has primarily been driven by geopolitical tensions rather than concrete evidence that it poses a more significant threat than its American counterparts.
This selective punishment does nothing to solve the broader issue of data privacy—it merely distracts from it. As the Supreme Court acknowledged, "There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community." Yet Congress determined that divestiture is necessary to address "well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary" (The Verge, 2025).
This tension underscores the fundamental question: how do we ensure fairness and accountability across all platforms instead of singling out one app for reasons that seem more political than practical? TikTok's story isn’t just about an app—it reflects how we prioritize, regulate, and protect the spaces that shape our digital lives.
What specific data practices of TikTok are being criticized?
TikTok is under intense scrutiny for allegedly collecting vast amounts of user data, including biometric identifiers, geolocation, browsing activity, and more. Critics argue that because TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, the Chinese government could potentially access this data. However, this level of data collection is far from unique to TikTok. U.S.-based platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and Google collect similarly extensive datasets to power their advertising empires.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation has consistently highlighted how companies like Meta engage in intrusive data practices without facing comparable scrutiny or government intervention. As they note, "Meta’s business model relies on collecting as much information as possible about people to sell highly-targeted ads. That’s why Meta is one of the main companies tracking you online—monitoring your activity far beyond its platforms" (Electronic Frontier Foundation, 2025).
This disparity raises essential questions about fairness in addressing data privacy concerns and the selective enforcement of regulations targeting specific platforms.
How can policymakers effectively address data privacy issues across all social media platforms?
Rather than targeting a single app, policymakers should focus on creating comprehensive data privacy legislation that applies to all platforms, regardless of their country of origin. Frameworks like the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) set a precedent for protecting user data across industries and borders. The U.S. could adopt similar measures to ensure transparency in how companies collect, use, and store data.
Effective policies should include:
Such legislation would shift the conversation from singling out one app to addressing the broader issue of data privacy in the digital age.
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What alternative platforms might emerge to fill the gap if TikTok is no longer available?
If TikTok is banned or significantly restricted, several alternatives will emerge, though none may immediately capture its unique magic. Platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat Spotlight are already vying for TikTok's audience, but they lack the democratized reach and hyper-personalized algorithm that made TikTok stand out.
With 1.8 billion monthly active users spending nearly an hour daily on TikTok, innovative entrepreneurs see this moment as an opportunity to diversify their income streams. The looming ban pushes creators to build sustainable businesses by spreading their presence across platforms, creating proven sales funnels, and developing digital products (Forbes, 2025).
Other platforms, such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, may gain traction, positioning themselves as creative-first spaces. However, without the sophistication of TikTok's algorithm, these platforms will need to innovate significantly to fill the void.
For creators, a TikTok ban means adapting to platforms that favor big-budget content and established influencers. The democratization of content that TikTok championed may become increasingly difficult to replicate, leaving smaller creators and niche communities with fewer opportunities to thrive.
A Farewell to Creativity and Connection
As someone who's managed corporate social media accounts, I believe TikTok's algorithm was groundbreaking—it was a game-changer. Regardless of their follower count, it allowed anyone to go viral. The loss of TikTok means losing a platform that prioritized creativity and connection over advertising dollars.
If this is the end for TikTok, let's not pretend we've solved anything. Instead, let's demand fair policies that hold all tech companies accountable, ensuring that the future of social media is as safe and equitable as possible.
RIP TikTok. You deserved better—and we'll all feel the loss.
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