Since it was launched in 2016, TikTok has become one of the most popular and most used apps in the world. It’s incredibly popular here in the United States. It mainly focuses on its viral content and trends, entertainment value, creative tools, and user-generated content have all contributed to its success. Tiktok has been downloaded by millions of users. However, recently, it was announced that U.S. President Joe Biden and Congress have passed a bill that results in one of two actions: China sells the app, or it’s going to be permanently banned. What has led up to this?
Recently, the House of Representatives voted to pass legislation that could ban TikTok in the United States as Democrats and Republicans alike sound the alarm about the popular app, because it is considered to be a threat to national security. The vote was 352-65. One member, Representative Jasmine Crockett from Texas, attended. The bill was then sent to the Senate, where the future of the app is still left up in the air. TikTok has already been banned in China, due to its offensive and inappropriate content. This was because Chinese government officials were not just concerned not just about Chinese national security, but also about the well-being of their children, as the app showed very mature and inappropriate content. Mike Johnson, a speaker for the House of Representatives, gave his reasoning for the potential banning of TikTok: “Communist China is America’s largest geopolitical foe and is using technology to actively undermine America’s economy and security.” According to Mike Johnson, TikTok can be used to access American data and spread malicious and harmful information. In his statement, he claimed, “Today’s bipartisan vote demonstrates Congress’ opposition to Communist China’s attempts to spy on and manipulate Americans, and signals our resolve to deter our enemies.”
In response to the decision of the United States Congress, TikTok has launched an aggressive campaign to end the legislation. They promptly argued that it would violate the First Amendment Rights of the 170 million people in America who use the app. They stated, “This process was secret and the bill was jammed through for one reason: it’s a ban”. The legislation was condemned by many people, claiming it was a violation of expressing themselves. Members of TikTok claimed, “You will be destroying small businesses like us; this is our livelihood. We’ve created success”. Another woman also stated, “If you pass this bill, you will be destroying the American dream that we really believe in.”
Despite the criticism the legislation has received, it was able to fly right through the House of Representatives. President Joe Biden, the leader of the Democratic Party in charge of the Senate, is set to pass the bill to ban TikTok. The 81-year old president, who’s currently running for a 2nd term in the upcoming 2024 election, joined TikTok via his campaign. However, Biden has stated if the bill passes, he will sign it into law. Once the app is deemed a threat to national security, it will be banned and immediately removed from online app stores and web hosting services all over the country unless something changes. According to FBI director Christopher Wray, the app poses a threat to the national security of the United States. In all, U.S. government officials believe that the Chinese government will be able to use TikTok to access personal information from the 170 million people who use the app, and they will be able to see what’s going on in America. However, despite this, the current CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew denied these accusations. And that’s all Americans need to know about the TikTok ban.