The clock might be ticking on one of the most used social media platforms in the United States, as a federal appeals court has upheld the TikTok ban. The ban brings in a familiar yet new challenge to the US, how to balance free speech with national security. The national security threats related to TikTok could be catastrophic if not addressed, yet the average consumer does not seem to understand the extent of the threat. Here, we explore why TikTok faces a ban, the implications of such a move, and the broader context of the controversy.
Social Media Companies already have my data, how could one more hurt?
You may think it is not a big deal who has access to your data anymore because of the countless different social media platforms, but that is not the case. Meta, X, and Google are all American companies that take our data when we use their platforms. The difference is that they are American companies and have to follow the US laws and regulations. ByteDance, a Chinese company, has to follow the Chinese laws and regulations while following American laws and regulations while operating in the US.
Unlike the US, China is an authoritarian country controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Due to this, China contains stronger laws and regulations on social life, companies, and culture. One of the laws mandates a company has to follow whatever the CCP tells them to do in the need of national security. This law could mandate ByteDance to give the CCP access to the data of all American users of the platform. Many people think that this means more targeted ads and marketing, however that is not solely the case.
The algorithm is at the center of the TikTok debate. Their algorithm is different from Meta’s instagram or X’s algorithm, aimed at keeping you endlessly scrolling and engaging with content. The TikTok “For You Page” shows videos that you would be interested in, with most content coming from users who you may have never interacted with. By doing this you get a sense of normalcy when engaging with new users, but that comes with its own consequences of higher trust for these users you have never interacted with. You are less likely to question information in a video if you trust the source.
What could China do with my TikTok Data?
By using the algorithm, China can do major harm to the national security of the US. To explain and show this harm, we will use a hypothetical of a war between North Korea and South Korea. Lets say a conflict breaks out between South Korea, a US ally, and North Korea, a Chinese ally. The US interest would be to protect South Korea as they are an important ally. How could China weaken South Korea without starting a direct conflict with the US? The answer is TikTok. China could order ByteDance to target their US users with North Korean propaganda. Over the course of months this content would change the public opinion of the war in the US from being supportive of South Korea to against them. If the US public is now against the war, the US will stop funding South Korea allowing North Korea and China to easily win the conflict.
This hypothetical is not tied to just conflict outside of the US, but could be used for domestic conflicts as well. China could order ByteDance to suppress all content around one political candidate and promote content for the other candidate, even if the content being promoted is factually inaccurate. This is dangerous as China could promote content in a specifically targeted way for different people to come to the same conclusion or idea, an idea that seems original to the person but created to weaken the US national security.
Social media companies have a lot of control over modern day pop culture. And ByteDance could give China control over the US pop culture scene with control over the algorithm. Besides spreading propaganda to weaken the US’s domestic and foreign interest, they could create many pop culture phenomena. For example, TikTok’s algorithm could spread a trendy new purse from a Chinese company, making the purse “in style”. This would weaken American companies products by not being the “in style” product based off of social media.
What Impact Would Happen with a Ban?
Banning TikTok does not come without severe consequences for the American public. The first and prominent issue would be the millions of users who will not have access to the platform anymore. While the thought of losing a major platform is scary, its something we have done before. Many Americans seem to forget that the first short form video social media platform was Vine, which eventually ended. However, the idea of a platform like that continued on with the public finally settling on Musical.ly as a replacement. Musical.ly eventually was replaced by TikTok, eventually a new platform will rise and replace TikTok if the ban goes forward.
The ban will also come with major cultural and economic consequences. With its massive popularity among younger generations, TikTok’s removal could alienate a significant portion of the public. The app has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly among Gen Z, serving as a hub for creativity, community, and entertainment. Many users view TikTok as more than just a social media platform; it’s a space for discovering trends, launching careers, and forging connections across the globe. Removing TikTok would not only frustrate millions of users but could also stifle emerging voices and limit avenues for cultural exchange. This disconnection risks deepening generational divides and fostering resentment among a digitally native population accustomed to global interaction through platforms like TikTok.
TikTok’s U.S. operations employ thousands of people. According to TikTok, they support more than $24 billion in gross domestic product (GDP), and more than 224,000 American jobs to the US economy. A ban could result in job losses and economic disruption. Beyond direct employment, the ripple effects could impact businesses and creators who rely on TikTok for marketing and income due to the platform's algorithm showing content from unfollowed users. Small businesses that use TikTok to reach audiences and build brand awareness might lose a critical avenue for growth. Content creators who have built careers through TikTok’s monetization programs could face financial instability, and the broader advertising ecosystem might contract without access to TikTok’s unique and engaged user base. This economic disruption underscores the app’s significant role in both traditional and digital economies.
A ban might set a precedent for government intervention in the tech sector, raising concerns about broader censorship for those worried about free speech. It raises the question of how far the government should go in policing apps and platforms, potentially opening the door for future restrictions on other technologies or companies. Critics worry this could discourage innovation and investment in the tech industry, as companies may fear unpredictable regulatory actions. Moreover, international companies might view the U.S. as a less attractive market, potentially reducing competition and diversity in the tech landscape.
What Can I Do?
If you’re concerned about the potential ban and its implications, staying informed is crucial. Following reputable news sources will help you stay updated on developments and understand the arguments on both sides. Engaging politically by reaching out to local representatives to express your views can influence decision-making at the policy level. Whether you support or oppose the ban, direct communication with policymakers is a meaningful way to have your voice heard. You can find your legislators here.
For those who follow creators who rely on TikTok for their livelihood, supporting them on other platforms is an essential step. Many creators maintain a presence on Instagram, YouTube, or other social media sites, and exploring these alternatives ensures you can continue engaging with their content. Similarly, if you’re a creator or business owner, diversifying your social media presence by expanding to other platforms can help mitigate the impact of a potential TikTok ban and safeguard your digital strategy.
Finally, advocating for broader reforms in data privacy and cybersecurity laws can address the underlying concerns driving the TikTok debate. Supporting a comprehensive approach to digital safety ensures that solutions are not limited to targeting a single app but instead promote a secure and innovative online environment.
Conclusion
The TikTok ban is emblematic of broader challenges in balancing national security, innovation, privacy, and expression in a globally connected world. While proponents argue that the ban is a necessary step to safeguard American data and national interests, critics highlight the potential risks to free speech, economic stability, and global technological leadership. This debate raises important questions about how nations should address the challenges of an interconnected digital world.
Citizens have a role to play in shaping this discourse by staying informed, voicing their opinions, and advocating for balanced solutions that prioritize security without sacrificing innovation or freedom. Ultimately, the outcome of this debate will not only shape the future of TikTok but also influence how the United States navigates the increasingly complex relationship between technology, policy, and society in an interconnected world in the years to come.