US TikTok Ban: When and Why Might the App Be Prohibited?

TikTok could face a ban in the US unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells the app. The proposed ban has sparked debate over the app’s data security and its potential links to the Chinese government.

Why Are US Lawmakers Pushing for a Ban?

Lawmakers from both major US parties are advocating for a ban unless ByteDance sells TikTok to a non-Chinese company. Their concern is that the Chinese government could access data from TikTok’s 170 million US users. Although TikTok denies any such data-sharing, the bill has been signed into law by President Joe Biden as part of a $95 billion foreign aid package, which includes support for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Previous efforts to block TikTok on national security grounds, including former President Donald Trump’s 2020 attempt, were unsuccessful. Trump, now a 2024 presidential candidate, has criticized the new legislation, suggesting it might unfairly benefit Facebook.

When Could the Ban Take Effect?

The new law does not mandate an immediate ban. ByteDance is given nine months to divest TikTok, with an additional three-month grace period before any ban is enforced. This means the deadline for a sale could extend into 2025, depending on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. If Trump is elected, he might try to block the ban. TikTok plans to challenge the forced sale in court, which could delay implementation for years.

What Would a Ban Mean for TikTok Users?

A ban would likely involve removing TikTok from app stores like Apple’s and Google’s, preventing new downloads and future updates for existing users. The legislation also restricts updates for apps from adversarial countries and grants the president broad powers to limit apps with ties to Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

TikTok’s Response and User Reaction

TikTok has condemned the bill as an “unconstitutional ban” that infringes on free speech rights. CEO Shou Zi Chew has assured users that the company will continue to fight the legislation in court and has expressed concerns about the bill’s impact on American jobs and competition.

Many US TikTok users and creators, including disability advocate Tiffany Yu, have voiced strong opposition to the potential ban, arguing that the platform is crucial for their work and outreach. Despite a push by TikTok users to contact their representatives, the campaign has reportedly strengthened some lawmakers’ resolve to pass the legislation.

Global Context

The US move could inspire similar actions elsewhere. TikTok is already banned in India, and blocked in Iran, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Somalia. The UK government and the European Commission have also restricted TikTok on official devices due to security concerns.

How Does TikTok Work?

TikTok’s algorithm curates content based on user interactions, offering feeds like Following, Friends, and For You. Critics argue that TikTok collects extensive data, including location, device information, and user behavior, which they believe powers its personalized content system. While TikTok collects substantial data, similar practices are seen in other major social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.