TikTok faces a possible ban in the United States unless its Chinese parent firm, ByteDance, agrees to sell the popular video-sharing software to a non-Chinese company.
The program, which has millions of users worldwide, has come under fire for concerns about data security and its links to the Chinese government.
Who Wants to Ban TikTok in the United States, and Why?
Lawmakers from both major US parties have advocated for legislation that would prohibit TikTok unless ByteDance sells it to a firm headquartered outside of China. The biggest concern is that the Chinese government may compel ByteDance to divulge data on TikTok’s 170 million US users.
While TikTok denies providing user data to Beijing, the House and Senate have adopted a $95 billion foreign aid package that contains a law paving the way for TikTok’s forced sale. President Joe Biden signed this bill into law. Previous efforts to restrict the app, like former President Donald Trump’s 2020 attempt, were unsuccessful.
Trump, now a Republican presidential candidate, has blasted the proposed legislation, claiming it may unfairly favour competitors such as Facebook.
When Could TikTok Be Banned?
Despite the law’s passing, TikTok will not be banned immediately. The legislation gives ByteDance nine months to find a new buyer, plus a three-month grace period. This means that the sale deadline will most likely be in 2025, following the next presidential election.
If Trump wins the presidency, he may try to stop the ban’s implementation. TikTok has declared preparations to challenge the law in court, a process that might take several years.
How Does a TikTok Ban Work?
The simplest way to prohibit TikTok would be to remove it from app stores run by Apple and Google. This would prohibit new users from downloading the app and current users from receiving updates.
The rule also prohibits apps from countries deemed hostile by the US from being updated or maintained within the country. This covers apps related to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
What Did TikTok Say About the Ban?
TikTok has condemned the measure as an “unconstitutional ban” that violates free expression rights. CEO Shou Zi Chew has assured users that TikTok will challenge the ban in court and continue to function in the United States.
He has also cautioned that the plan could benefit TikTok’s competitors while jeopardizing American jobs. ByteDance will require Chinese approval to sell TikTok, and Beijing showed unwillingness.
What Does TikTok’s Law Mean for Creators?
The prospective ban may compel many content makers to diversify their channels. Andrew Graham of CAA thinks that producers will increasingly adopt Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts as alternatives.
However, he points out that these sites may not provide the same financial prospects as TikTok. The adjustment could result in a drop in long-form video monetization on sites such as YouTube.
How Have TikTok Users in the United States Responded?
US TikTok users and artists have reacted strongly to the looming ban. Tiffany Yu, a disability advocate, sees TikTok as essential to her advocacy work. TikTok’s offer for users to contact their legislators sparked a rise in calls, which some lawmakers saw as compounding their concerns about the app.
What Happens Next for TikTok and ByteDance?
TikTok intends to challenge the new regulation in court, alleging that it violates First Amendment rights. If the legal battle fails, ByteDance may try to sell its TikTok stake to a willing bidder, although this could be hampered by Chinese authorities.
The app’s price and possible purchasers are restricted, with a projected $16 billion in US sales in 2023 and a worth of up to $150 billion.
Is TikTok banned in other countries?
TikTok has already been banned in various countries, including India, Iran, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Somalia. Due to security concerns, the UK and the European Commission have limited TikTok usage on government equipment. The US bill may inspire similar efforts worldwide.
Trump Says ‘I’m for TikTok,’ as Potential US Ban Looms
In a surprising move, Donald Trump has expressed support for TikTok, claiming that banning it will limit competition. Despite earlier calling TikTok a threat, Trump joined the app last month and feels the ban will unfairly favour Facebook and Instagram.
What Can I Do if TikTok is Banned?
If the ban is imposed, existing TikTok users will be able to continue using the app, but new downloads will be barred. Sideloading the app via unapproved channels is doable but risky.
A VPN may provide continuing access by hiding your location, but this may disturb your content feed. Users should be aware of these prospective changes and prepare to make adjustments.
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