TikTok. Yay, or Nay?

The streets are ablaze with the news of a potential ban on the beloved TikTok. Last week, the House approved a bill that puts social media platform TikTok in the crosshairs of a government ban. Some companies, like Virginia state agencies, have banned the platform already from being used on their local networks. There is a loophole used by many in this situation of just getting off of the agency’s network and using their cell provider’s cellular network instead.

The U.S. Government plans to take this one step further, however. Not only will it not be allowed on networks in the U.S., but they have plans to remove it completely from app stores so the app can’t even be downloaded or installed on devices.

How would a ban affect U.S. citizens?

Many creative uses for TikTok are explored on the platform each day by millions. From content creators, dancers, recipe givers, news providers, and live streamers, the possibilities are endless. TikTok recently even added the ability for users to host their own stores on the app.

With all this opportunity, you can imagine there’s a good amount of money traveling through this app to its creators. That is one huge argument against the ban for several creators. In 2024, it is easier than ever to make a living on the internet. A ban on the platform would equate to a layoff of thousands of creators depending on the app for income.

Many people also attribute the app to helping them survive the hard times of Covid and being forced to stay home. It has since also been attributed to helping with many other feelings of mental health struggles. Unlike other popular platforms, it is not completely run by the famous. It is the only app where everyone truly has a voice and a chance to be seen.

The Government side of the coin

It has been reported that the main issue the government has with the existence of TikTok is that it is owned by a Chinese company and is suspected of spying on American citizens and providing the Chinese government with information.

As the ban progresses through the ranks, another potential solution has come out involving the company being bought out by a U.S. company. There was a comment made by someone on social media who said, “So it’s okay for us to be spied on as long as it’s by our own government?” The comment came from the potential solutions being banning, or taking ownership of the platform, and nothing on enhancing the security and privacy of the application.

How do you see the ban going? Do you think it’ll actually happen this time? Would it affect you personally? Something to think about!