By: James Liu
TikTok, an app used by more than 150 million Americans monthly, is facing a potential ban. A Chinese company called ByteDance owns the app, which raises national security concerns over the company being subjected to Chinese Communist Party laws – Chinese laws may force ByteDance to give American users’ personal data to the Chinese government. Additionally, there are concerns among American officials that the Chinese government may be using its influence over ByteDance to spread propaganda through the popular social media platform. With approximately 150 million active users in the United States, fears about user safety have reached new heights. However, TikTok's impact on society goes beyond viral dances. The app is also used for sharing news, promoting businesses, and more. Unlike many other social media platforms, for example, Snapchat, that target teens, TikTok's users range from young children to grandparents. Therefore, the app's algorithm adjusts to users' interests and humor, providing entertainment for almost everyone.
Despite the app being banned on United States government-owned devices and restricted in several other countries, including India, a total ban in the U.S. is unlikely, and many argue that outlawing TikTok would require the government to violate the First Amendment, which protects Americans' right to free speech.
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