TikTok was on the verge of getting shutdown in the USA by the end of 19th Jan 2025. The reason behind terminating tiktok was due to excessive trafficking of personal and secretive information. It was banned during the tenure of Biden, specifically toward the end of his post as US President in office. Interestingly, Trump also showed interest in banning it because of its complete ownership by China, fearing it diminishes national businesses, and through banning foreign apps they would focus on building the national apps.
However, due to excessive pressure and relentless support for the TikTok, The ban was delayed for 3 consecutive months. TikTok welcomed Trump’s decision of lifting ban from TikTok application. Interestingly, Musk was not in the favor of banning apps either, he also argues that apps should completely function in the USA because of freedom and democracy. Musk also emphasized that China should do the same when it comes to using the apps and uplift the banning on foreign apps just because of excuse of security concerns.
Trump suggested the idea of holding the share of TikTok to 50% with shared ownership of China and America. Holding the story in the hand Musk said ” TikTok is allowed to operate in America, but X is not allowed to operate in China”. It is a biased and hypocrisy of the Chinese media.
The lifted ban on TikTok has sparked debate regarding the balance between national security and free speech . While concerns about data privacy and potential Chinese government influence remain valid, some argue that restricting access to a popular platform violates user freedom and hamper innovation. The case of TikTok highlights the complexities of navigating the digital age, where technological advancements are dependent on geopolitical tensions.
The return of TikTok also raises questions about the future of digital platforms and their role in shaping public discourse. As social media continues to evolve, policymakers face the challenge of developing regulations that protect national interests while fostering a competitive and open internet environment. The ongoing dialogue surrounding TikTok will likely shape the future of digital policy not only in the US but also globally, setting boundaries for how nations address similar concerns regarding foreign-owned technology companies.
