Why the U.S. and Other Countries Are Scrutinizing TikTok

The ongoing debate surrounding the future of TikTok has reached a boiling point. The Biden Administration recently threatened to ban the popular video-sharing app unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sells its stake in the company. This decision, prompted by concerns over national security, marks a significant escalation in the negotiations between ByteDance and U.S. officials [^1^].

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Why does the U.S. want to ban TikTok?

With over 1 billion active users, including more than 100 million in the U.S., TikTok has become a global phenomenon since its launch in 2016 [^2^]. However, federal officials and security experts worry that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could gain unrestricted access to sensitive user data collected by the app, posing potential national security threats [^3^]. The risks associated with foreign governments exploiting user data are often overlooked by TikTok users, according to Anton Dahbura, Executive Director of the Johns Hopkins University Information Security Institute [^4^].

Leading the charge in the push to ban TikTok are Republican lawmakers in Congress who fear that ByteDance may be using user data to track browsing history, location data, and even spread misinformation. Representative Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, claims that having the app installed on one’s device gives the CCP a backdoor to personal information, dubbing it a “spy balloon” [^5^]. Slowly but surely, Democrats are joining forces with their Republican counterparts to support these security measures [^6^]. However, TikTok insists that changing ownership will not solve the security concerns but rather emphasize the need for transparent, U.S.-based protection of user data, which they claim to already be implementing [^7^].

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Which countries have already banned TikTok?

Several countries have already taken measures to cut ties with TikTok. In 2020, India banned several Chinese-owned apps, including TikTok, citing privacy and security concerns amid heightened tensions at the India-China border. Pakistan has temporarily banned TikTok multiple times, arguing that the app promotes immoral content. Even Afghanistan’s Taliban government banned TikTok in 2022 for allegedly leading the youth astray [^8^]. Additionally, Canada, the U.S., Taiwan, and most recently the U.K. have imposed restrictions on TikTok access on government-issued devices [^9^].

What does this mean for TikTok users?

Uncertainty looms for TikTok users, especially content creators who rely on TikTok’s Creator Fund payments and brand endorsements as a source of income. Some top earners on the platform can make up to $250,000 for a sponsored post [^10^]. Fearing the loss of their livelihoods, users have expressed concerns on the platform, sharing their grievances and making light of the situation. Many have already contemplated using virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent a potential ban [^11^]. While a ban on TikTok may create an opportunity for other platforms like Meta’s Instagram or even a potential revival of Vine, its impact on the community remains uncertain [^12^].

Will divestment enhance TikTok’s security?

TikTok has been engaged in discussions with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) for over two years to address national security requirements. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has stated that selling the company won’t resolve American national security concerns [^13^]. Instead, TikTok aims to invest $1.5 billion in ensuring the safeguarding of U.S. user data and content. This plan involves enlisting the services of U.S.-based technology company Oracle Corp. to store user data [^14^]. Furthermore, TikTok has highlighted that 60% of ByteDance shares are owned by global investors, including major American firms BlackRock, General Atlantic, and Sequoia [^15^]. While the debate about TikTok’s ownership remains a focal point of the U.S.-China conflict, it also signifies a larger conversation about protecting U.S. citizens’ personal information in the digital age [^16^].

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The White House recently endorsed a bill that would grant the Commerce Department the authority to ban or limit TikTok and other foreign-owned apps, though such actions could be challenged under the First Amendment due to their impact on free speech [^17^]. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized the U.S. for not providing evidence to substantiate claims that TikTok threatens national security. The spokesperson urged the U.S. to create a fair and non-discriminatory environment for foreign businesses to operate [^18^]. Beyond divestment, the CFIUS is also considering alternative options, such as granting TikTok approval for its “Project Texas” plan, which would subject the app to stringent government oversight [^19^].

In conclusion, the wave of scrutiny facing TikTok and its Chinese ownership has sparked intense discussions around national security and data privacy. As the app’s future hangs in the balance, the choices made by the U.S. government and other countries will undoubtedly shape the future of the digital landscape.

Write to Mariah Espada at mariah.espada@time.com and Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.