The Future of TikTok: An Analysis of the Impact of a Potential Ban
The Biden Administration has issued an ultimatum to the Chinese company ByteDance: sell the wildly popular video-sharing app TikTok or face a nationwide ban in the United States. This has sparked discussions about the ramifications of such a ban and what it would mean for TikTok’s millions of users. In this article, we delve into the consequences of a ban and explore the questions on everyone’s minds.
The Mechanics of a Ban
The method by which the U.S. government would enforce a ban on TikTok remains unclear. However, a bill introduced by a group of senators from both parties last week could potentially ban the app by granting the Secretary of Commerce the authority to ban foreign technology deemed a threat to national security. The most straightforward approach would be to prohibit app stores from making TikTok available for download, which would result in no more updates or improvements to the app, making it harder to use over time. The use of TikTok could also become illegal, with fines being imposed on those who continue to use the app.
Can I Still Use TikTok?
A ban would not erase TikTok from phones where it has already been installed, so the app would still be functional for those users. However, the U.S. government could pressure internet providers to block access to the app, making it inaccessible. India has already banned TikTok, and after the ban, the app was no longer usable for users in the country.
Has the U.S. Ever Banned an App Before?
This would be the first time the U.S. has ever issued a blanket ban on an app. TikTok has faced smaller restrictions, such as being banned on public university campuses and government-issued devices. The U.S. has forced the sale of an app before, as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) regularly reviews foreign-owned companies to determine if they pose a threat to national security. In 2019, for example, CFIUS compelled a Chinese company to sell the dating app Grindr.
Can I Use a VPN to Access TikTok?
If the U.S. blocks TikTok, a virtual private network (VPN) could provide access to the app. VPNs allow users to redirect their internet connection through other networks, often used to bypass internet censorship. However, the government could target VPN use to enforce the ban, for example, by banning VPNs or compelling VPN companies to blacklist certain sites, including TikTok.
Would a Ban Mean My Data is Secure?
Unfortunately, a ban would not address the transfer of data, which is the primary concern posed by TikTok. The ban would not secure user data, and there could still be another company owned by a Chinese entity that transfers data. Beyond the data privacy concerns posed by Chinese-owned companies, the U.S. has no federal data privacy law, and data brokers freely buy and sell users’ data with minimal oversight.
Conclusion
While a ban on TikTok would make the app unavailable on app stores and potentially criminalize its use, existing users would still be able to access the app on their phones. However, a ban would not address the transfer of data and would not secure user data. The ramifications of a ban are complex and far-reaching, and the TikTok community awaits the outcome with bated breath.
