There is no doubt that TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms for users to share short videos and connect with others around the world. However, the potential ban of the TikTok app has raised many questions and concerns, especially for users of the app. Montana is the first state in the United States to officially have banned TikTok. India has already banned TikTok since June 2020. Do you know why there might be more bans on TikTok?
Therefore, it is important for us as users to understand the reasons behind the potential ban in order to make an informed decision about the future of TikTok. By exploring the various arguments for and against the ban on TikTok, we can know more about the potential implications and the potential impact on TikTokers, businesses and the whole social media landscape.
3 Reasons Why TikTok Will Be Banned
1. TikTok is Threat to National Security
A lot of countries are wary of the potential threats that TikTok poses, especially The United States of America. National security concerns surrounding the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok have been mounting due to its data collection practices. These concerns have been so great that several other countries, such as India, and Japan, just to name a few, have already taken action to ban the app in order to protect their citizens' data and privacy.
TikTok's indirect Chinese ownership has raised questions about the security of user data, as well as the potential for the Chinese government to access and use it for their own malicious purposes. As such, it is important for countries to take a proactive approach to protect their citizens from potential security risks. Will this argument be enough for the TikTok app to be completely removed from Google Play Store and Apple Store?
2. TikTok App Invades Your Privacy
Like any other social media app, the TikTok app will also invade your privacy. However, what TikTok has been doing without private data is not merely for commercial purposes. TikTok has come under fire in recent years for its data collection practices and potential misuse of user data. Examples of privacy violations by the platform include the sharing of user data with Chinese companies, the harvesting of our data without consent, and the tracking of our activity without permission.
These issues have raised serious concerns about the security of user data and the potential abuse of our data. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using TikTok and to take steps to protect our privacy. A former TikTok employer has sued the company, alleging China had total access to all the data on TikTok. So, we do not really mind allowing TikTok and its puppeteer-China pulling all the strings while stalking us? Then again, I believe a lot of us do not really care. I don't mind actually as long as I am not going to China. How about you?
3. Political Pressure to Ban TikTok
It is a fact that a lot of countries are wary of China's powers. Political pressure is mounting on governments around the world to ban the popular social media app TikTok. Numerous politicians and government officials have called for a ban on the app, citing concerns over data privacy, security, and potential foreign influence.
For example, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has been tremendously vocal in his criticism of the TikTok app, and the Indian government recently banned TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps. This political pressure is likely to continue as governments across the globe seek to protect their citizens from potential risks associated with TikTok. The good news is our country Malaysia will never do such a thing.
3 Reasons Why TikTok Will Not Be Banned
1. TikTok is Too Popular To Be Banned
TikTok has become immensely popular in recent years, boasting an impressive user base of over 800 million people worldwide. It is the fastest growing social media app and that means a lot of young people are using TikTok on a daily basis.
This massive user base of TikTok has allowed this China app to become a cultural phenomenon, with users creating and sharing content across a variety of genres. However, if the platform were to be banned, there would likely be a significant backlash from users who have come to rely on the platform for entertainment, connection and even for making money. I dare the government of the USA to ban TikTok. I want to see the backlash the government will get from its citizens who are armed with First Amendment.
2. Far-reaching Economic Implications
Besides being a huge Cash Cow of the Google Play Store and Apple Store, the app has been the saving grace for a lot of business owners. The economic implications of a potential TikTok ban are far-reaching and could have a devastating impact on businesses and advertisers. Not only would there be a potential loss of jobs and revenue, but the ban could also lead to a decrease in consumer spending, which could have a ripple effect on the economy as a whole.
Small enterprises as well as independent business owners will be deprived of a platform for them to promote their products at relatively affordable prices. Additionally, businesses and advertisers that rely on the platform for marketing and advertising could suffer a significant financial loss due to the ban. Ultimately, the economic implications of a potential TikTok ban are far-reaching and could have a lasting impact on businesses, advertisers, and the economy as a whole.
3. Legal Challenges From TikTok and TikTokers
The legal challenges that could arise from a TikTok ban are numerous and complex. For example, in the United States, the Trump administration has already faced a number of legal challenges to its proposed ban, with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filing a lawsuit against the government for violating the First Amendment. Usually, you will lose against any First Amendment violations!
Similarly, in India, the ban has been challenged in the Supreme Court, with the court ruling that the ban was unconstitutional. These are just two examples of the legal challenges that could arise from a TikTok ban, but they demonstrate the complexity of the issue and the potential for legal action to be taken against governments who attempt to implement such bans. Will governments use public safety as a reason to wipe out all these legal challenges?
Conclusion
There you go folks, the few obvious reasons why TikTok could be banned, such as its potential to be used for malicious activities, its Chinese ownership, and its potential to be used for censorship. We do know that back in China, everyone's personal data belongs to the government. China has free reign to do whatever they want to their citizens and they openly stalk them like an episode from Black Mirror.
On the other hand, there are also reasons why it might not be banned, such as its potential to be used for creative expression and its potential to be used for education. The potential implications of a TikTok ban could be far-reaching, as it could lead to a decrease in creativity and education, as well as a decrease in the ability to spread important messages. Ultimately, the future of TikTok and its potential ban is uncertain, as it depends on the decisions of governments and other organizations. I honestly do not mind if TikTok is banned. How about you?
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