With over 170 million American users, TikTok has solidified its place as one of the most popular social media platforms in the country. Originally developed by ByteDance in China, this app has captivated users with its quick and entertaining videos, ranging from brief 15-second clips to longer, more in-depth content that can extend up to ten minutes. While TikTok is widely recognized for its comedic and engaging content, it also serves as a hub for educational videos and news updates, ensuring that users stay informed and entertained simultaneously. The app's diverse range of content has made it a go-to platform for users of all ages, creating a vibrant and dynamic community that continues to grow each day.
However, on Wednesday, April 24th, Joe Biden signed a law that would ban TikTok from American- unless it was repurchased by another company.
Key Takeaways
- Joe Biden signed a law to ban TikTok from the United States, unless it was repurchased.
- America is in a technology war with China and it's user safety guidelines
- TikTok plans to fight this law if they do not sell the app
- This is the first time a social media app has been banned in America
Why is TikTok Being Banned?
All of this comes from American security- specifically America's current technology war with China. Due to the huge popularity of the app, it has been closely examined by national security officials in Washington, as authorities fear that China would use it as a heavy influence on Americans from the Chinese government.
TikTok is on the risk of being banned due to it being owned by a Chinese company- as America thinks it is a safety risk for American users.
However, Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell recently stated, "Congress is not acting to punish ByteDance, TikTok or any other individual company, congress is acting to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage, surveillance, maligned operations, harming vulnerable Americans, our servicemen and women, and our U.S. government personnel."
This is the first time America has implemented a law to potentially ban a social media platform.
The potential ban of TikTok in America not only impacts the millions of users who enjoy the platform for its entertainment and educational content, but it also has far-reaching consequences for other associated apps such as CapCut and Hypic. CapCut, a popular video editing app that has gained traction alongside TikTok, will also face restrictions if ByteDance is banned. Additionally, Hypic, a picture-focused editing software similar to CapCut, is at risk of being prohibited as well.
Furthermore, the repercussions of banning TikTok extend beyond just the apps themselves. With a significant portion of Americans, particularly those under the age of 30, relying on TikTok as a primary source of news, the potential loss of the platform has sparked backlash from dedicated users. The impact of removing TikTok goes beyond just entertainment; it disrupts a vital source of information and connection for a large demographic of American users. As the debate over the future of TikTok continues, the president is facing criticism from those who see the potential ban as a threat to their access to news and entertainment on the platform.
TikTok's Perspective
TikTok, representing the ByteDance company as a whole, has protested their rights throughout the app. Shou Chew, a citizen of Singapore and the chief executive officer of TikTok, has come forward of the app's official pages and continue to update users on the company's current standings with the United State's law.
Users can watch court proceeding tapings as they advocate for TikTok's preservation, sparking activism and unity within the community. This virtual battleground has strengthened users' determination to save the platform.
ByteDance has put up a fight in keeping the app alive, creating campaigns across their app asking users to share the connections they have made on the app- such as users relying on the TikTok shop for their small businesses. Without this, they would potentially lose their customer base and their business.
Is The End Near?
Rest assured, TikTok will not vanish abruptly from your device. There is no need to worry about facing legal repercussions if you choose to continue using the app even after it has been banned.
The legislation dictates that ByteDance has a nine-month window to offload the company, with a potential extra three months granted if negotiations are underway. Failure to comply will result in TikTok facing a ban.
Without a sale, the soonest TikTok could shut down in the U.S. could be over a one year from today.
TikTok plans to present a compelling argument against the ban, citing its unconstitutionality and emphasizing the measures it has implemented to safeguard American users' data.
If ByteDance decides to challenge the enforcement of the law - a move they have expressed intent to make - the case will be brought before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. With potential legal battles ahead, this timeline could extend even further, possibly spanning years. While TikTok has had some victories in court challenges previously, it has never actively tried to stop federal laws from being enforced. Following the decision of the D.C. court, the losing party is expected to seek a review from the U.S. Supreme Court to further challenge the outcome.
TikTok will present a compelling argument against the ban, citing its unconstitutionality and emphasizing the measures it has implemented to safeguard American users' data. The app has initiated a robust lobbying campaign, enlisting the support of small-business owners and influencers who attest to TikTok being an integral part of their livelihoods.
However, if TikTok is banned from the United States, it would need to be removed from app stores such as the Google Play Store, and Apple's App Store - which can ultimately lead to the downfall of the platform globally.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is TikTok getting banned in the US?
The potential ban of TikTok in the US remains uncertain as Congress has issued a directive to ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to either sell to a non-Chinese entity within a year or risk the app being banned in the country. President Biden signed this legislation into law on Wednesday, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the popular social media platform.
Is TikTok getting banned in the UK?
While TikTok has not been subjected to a countrywide ban in the UK, it did face restrictions in March 2023 when it was prohibited from government devices. This decision followed a thorough evaluation that indicated potential risks associated with how data and information are managed by the app.
Is there TikTok in China?
There is no 'TikTok' in China, only it's twin app- Douyin, which is also owned by ByteDance.
Is TikTok getting banned in 2024?
Even if the extension is not considered, the potential ban may take effect as early as January 2025. However, if the extension is granted, the timeline could extend to April. With TikTok's threat of legal action looming, the situation might become entangled in court proceedings for an even more extended period.
