Why TikTok Might Get Banned in The U.S. (Again)

March 01, 2023

The popular video sharing app TikTok, which was initially founded in China, has repeatedly presented security issues. Now, the U.S. is joining Canada in banning the app from government-issued devices. The move is an effort towards protecting classified information from China’s government, likely after a string of what authorities and the Biden administration have referred to as “spy balloons” were shot down this year.

The ongoing surveillance was the final major warning bell that led officials to dig dipper into the string of alleged TikTok leaks.  The company was initially founded by ByteDance in 2016, and famously merged with the Musical.ly app, which was also a Chinese-founded company. Current CEO Shou Zi Chew is due to testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 23 regarding its security and privacy practices. At this time, it appears that the main security risks are linked to their parent company, ByteDance.

TikTok has proven over the years to be a double edged sword–some feel that it has increased access to drugs like fentanyl for teenagers and spread misinformation on a host of topics. On the other hand, it has created countless positive communities for lifestyle creators and musicians alike. Artists like Chrissy Chlapecka were able to build a platform of like minded people before even beginning their music careers. Naturally, social media had a lot to say about what a TikTok ban for the masses would mean. Many feel that an outright ban of the platform would isolate Gen Z and millennial voters.

As a TikTok ban gains support in Congress with GOP-advanced bill, Raimondo says that’s not the way to deal with the issue. Her explanation: this is America and we value free speech. And also: “The politician in me thinks you’re gonna literally lose every voter under 35, forever.” pic.twitter.com/dKWTFmTOUJ

— Jenny Leonard (@jendeben) March 1, 2023

Additionally, many argue that a total ban would infringe upon the first amendment of the U.S. constitution, which guarantees free speech.

it's hilarious that anyone who considers themself a serious political person thinks that a total ban on TikTok in the US would withstand a 1st amendment challenge

— Evan Greer is on Mastodon and Bluesky (@evan_greer) March 1, 2023

Theories continued to spiral, with one Twitter user proposing that YouTube, a direct video sharing competitor of TikTok, could have something to do with a potential ban.

I firmly believe YouTube is behind the ban of #TikTok and you’ll never convince me otherwise.

— Robert Jefferson (@comicsexplained) March 1, 2023

TikTok user Noah Glenn Carter (@noahglenncarter) regularly posts pop culture and tech news updates to his page, and was quick to discuss the potential ban. While TikTok’s loyal users were initially upset at the mention of the ban, Carter made the point that this will likely not be an overnight process, and still may not happen at all.

Comedian and interim host of The Daily Show Hasan Minhaj delivered a satirical monologue on the subject today. Many commenters agreed that the nation faces greater threats to security than TikTok.

TikTok has already been banned in several public education institutions in certain states.  The 19 governors made the move to ban the app intermittently while the federal government determines just how much of a security risk it is.

Despite the conversation surrounding the ban, media professionals are urging people to not jump to conclusions.

Due to the complexities of private and public networks, it will likely take months to fully outlaw the app. In the meantime, enjoy the FYP while you can.