US TikTok Ban: Will Trump Stop It Before It’s Too Late?
The popular app TikTok might get banned in the US unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells it by January 19. However, TikTok, ByteDance, and content creators have gone to the US Supreme Court, saying the planned ban breaks the law and violates free speech. BBC News reports that President-elect Donald Trump has asked the court to delay the ban so he can find a political solution when he takes office.
Why Does the US Want to Ban TikTok?
Many US lawmakers and officials believe TikTok poses a national security risk because it’s owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company. They worry ByteDance could be forced by China to share data about its 170 million American users. According to BBC, the US Department of Justice described TikTok as a serious national security threat due to its connection to China.
In April 2024, President Joe Biden signed a law giving ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok or face a US-wide ban. ByteDance and TikTok have denied working with the Chinese government and argue that banning the app would violate free speech and harm millions of users.
Trump’s Role in TikTok’s Future
BBC says Donald Trump, who will officially become president again on January 20, a day after TikTok’s deadline, might offer the app some hope. Trump had tried to ban TikTok during his first term in 2020, but now he says he wants to find a peaceful solution rather than ban it outright. His lawyer has asked the court to delay any action on the ban, saying Trump will handle the issue politically once he takes office. In December, Trump even met with TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, raising hopes that he might step in to prevent the ban.
What Happens if TikTok Gets Banned?
If the ban happens, online stores like Apple’s App Store and Google Play would be forced to remove TikTok, meaning no new users could download the app. Existing users would no longer get updates, including important security fixes. BBC explains that the ban would apply to any apps tied to countries seen as US adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Why TikTok’s Data Collection Is a Concern
TikTok’s success comes from its powerful algorithm, which uses data like what users watch, how they interact with content, and even details about their device and location to recommend videos. Some critics claim TikTok collects more data than other social media apps. However, according to BBC, platforms like Facebook and Instagram also gather similar information from their users.
Is TikTok Banned Anywhere Else?
Yes, TikTok has been banned in several countries. BBC notes that India was one of the app’s biggest markets before it banned TikTok in 2020. Other countries like Iran, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Somalia have also blocked it. Additionally, the UK government, the European Commission, and even the BBC itself have banned TikTok from work devices due to security concerns.
What’s Next for TikTok?
The US Supreme Court is expected to make a decision soon on whether to block the ban temporarily. If it upholds the ban, it’s unclear how Trump might stop TikTok from being shut down across the US.
BBC emphasizes that the situation remains uncertain, but Trump’s actions in the coming days could play a crucial role in TikTok’s future.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53476117