In recent years Tiktok has emerged as a cultural sensation, capturing millions of views worldwide with its short-form video content. Its addictive and widespread popularity, Tiktok has quickly become a significant platform for entertainment, creativity, and social interaction.
TikTok has also been controversial regarding privacy, and security issues. As the government listens to concerns, the likelihood of banning TikTok has been raised in more than 30 states and is soon to be nationwide. Before the bill becomes law, it must be allowed by the U.S. Senate. President Joe Biden.
Congress wants to ban TikTok because of fear that China is spying on American citizens and using the app as a means to gather intel. Over the past few years, Tik Tok has been a politically hot topic and many politicians fear that the Chinese may use American information. According to CBS News.com, “ U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that TikTok threatens national security because the Chinese government could use it to spy on Americans or weaponize it to covertly influence the U.S. public by amplifying or suppressing certain content.”
One aspect of this concern is the fear that TikTok may serve as a tool for surveillance. Allowing the Chinese government to gather information about American users.
The potential ban on TikTok reflects the intersection of technology, security, and society in the 21st century due to concerns about data privacy and security on the platform.
Recently the Senate and President Biden have passed a bill that will force TikTok CEO Shou Chew to sell or face being banned. According to CNBC.com, “The law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok within nine months, or a year if Biden invokes a 90-day extension. If the app isn’t sold in time, it would be banned across the nation.”
With the clock ticking, TikTok’s fate is hanging on by a thread. As we wonder if ByteDance will find a buyer or if it will fade away. Current users can not help but wonder what will happen to the millions of users who will be left in the dust.
As the countdown continues and the world watches, let’s hope we are able to continue to get our random viral Tik Tok moments
