By Tommaso Vaccaro
For years now, there has been concern that TikTok could pose national security risks. The FBI raised this issue as early as 2020 and is pushing to ban it. ByteDance is TikTok's Chinese parent company. Why the concern? People are worried that TikTok may be collecting US citizens’ data, especially their personal information, without their knowledge. The FBI has even suggested that the Chinese government could use it to control the software on millions of devices without the user's knowledge or permission.
TikTok has millions of users worldwide. Critics have raised concerns about the security of user data and links to the Chinese government. In March, there was a bill proposed in Congress that could ban TikTok, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed it. However, TikTok is not giving up without a fight.
Currently, Congress is moving forward with legislation to force ByteDance to sell the U.S. version of TikTok and possibly ban the platform from app stores. In a recent communication from the CEO of TikTok, Shou Chew, to its fans, TikTok stated that they are fighting what they consider an unconstitutional ban. TikTok reported that they have invested billions of dollars to make sure that user data is safe and that the platform is free from any outside influence and manipulation.
People argue that TikTok should be allowed because of its impact on freedom of expression, businesses and young people, including voters. They also say that banning TikTok would be harmful to our rights to freedom of expression and wouldn't help social media problems at all. Some suggest that the government should focus on more important problems in our society rather than worrying about an app that so many people enjoy.
From a young person’s point of view, TikTok is enjoyable. It’s easy to watch a video, let it entertain you and then go down the rabbit hole of watching more and more videos. TikTok is trying to fight to keep their app alive. Recently, TikTok sent a message to their users to not support the bill.
TikTok is already banned in countries like Iran, Nepal, Afghanistan and Somalia. In March, Florida Governor Ron Desantis signed a contract to prevent kids in Florida aged 13 and under from using TikTok. Fourteen and 15-year-olds in Florida will need consent from their parents. Most social media apps have an age requirement and it is something TikTok should be doing. But as we all know, it doesn't always work. Kids will lie about their age just to have access to the apps.
On Oct. 8, 2024, over a dozen states, including New York, filed a lawsuit against TikTok, saying that it is tricking the public about its safety and purposefully using algorithms to hook young people on it. They argue that TikTok has violated consumer protection laws and contributed to the mental health crisis in young people. I believe TikTok is fun, but it may be harmful and we don't know it. Lots of people enjoy it, but can China really access our personal information? Can all apps get our personal information?
Adults should be able to choose whether to continue using TikTok while being made aware of all the potential risks. Children on the other hand need protection. In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned but adults should be allowed to make an informed decision. It’s time the public knows about what exactly TikTok and ByteDance does with our data. As responsible adults, we can choose for ourselves whether to continue using it or not.