Another Year, Another Ban Threat
It has been almost exactly a year since the United States tried to ban the app first. TikTok has unfortunately been threatened, once again, to be banned in the United States once again but this time it might actually become a reality. This time, it is being said that if the popular social media app does not cut ties with their Beijing-based company, ByteDance, then the app will be banned in the U.S. Recently, a House Panel unanimously approved to pass a bill that states if the app does not go through with the release of ByteDance within the next six months, then it will be banned. Since the vote was unanimous, it is very likely that it will be passed.
In the previous year, former president Donald Trump tried to ban this app. However, this was never done due to TikTok suing. The government said the reason for this threat is because of the app poses a national security threat. This famous app has been in the eyes of the Unites States government for a while now. However, the app has responded to these allegations by stating that any data taken from the United States is being moved to Oracle’s servers. But this is not enough for the U.S. to feel at ease.
How Would This Ban Work?
The way this ban would work has actually been seen back in 2020 when the government first wanted to do the national ban. The US Department of Commerce would order Apple and Google to get rid of tiktok from their platforms. However, this ban did not go through in 2020. But the same can not be said about this year, since the allegations are far more serious. It is very likely that this ban can go through causing major concern amongst many TikTok users. Since this ban began circulating around social media, many people, specifically Gen Z, have been trying to stop this by calling their state representatives. Many of the Reps. have complained about the amount of phone calls they have gotten about this ban.
Many people have also said they have found a way around this ban if it were to happen. This will be done through VPN. Unfortunately, this would mean that people would have to pay for a monthly subscription with the VPN they use in order to watch TikTok. Ultimately, it will be possible to continue to use TikTok. If people are willing to pay for it, then this method will work. As long as they choose a country in which this app is not banned. That is however, if TikTok does not ban you from doing this, Since the app takes information from people such as your IP address and your SIM card, meaning they would know if someone is using the app in a place where they can’t be using it.
What Does The App Have to Say About The Situation
TikTok has constantly denied the accusations given from the United States. They state they have never given any U.S. data collected from the app to the Chinese Government. However, they will continue to allow many Chinese employees to have access to the U.S. data from the app. But this is not necessarily the big problem the U.S. as with the app. The main concern is the fact that the app will not stop working with ByteDance even though there is enough evidence showing that they have access to the data from the U.S. It is also believed that the algorithm from the app is pushing the Chinese agenda onto their foreign users. The app has been seen to constantly talk about the Israel and Hamas war, but has been hiding or censoring videos about the Hong Kong protests.
It is currently unknown as to what the future of TikTok in the U.S. will be. This is still an on going story. However, many people are hoping for things to settle and they come to an agreement. Hopefully that will prevent the ban of this loved app.
Written by Erika Cano
AP News: A bill that could lead to a nation-wide TikTok ban is gaining momentum. Here’s what to know
The Cut: Is Congress Really About to Ban TikTok?
Tech Radar: TikTok could be banned – What a US ban would mean and how would it work
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Focal Foto Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Solen Feyissa Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
