(FILES) In this file photo taken on August 11, 2020 The logo of Chinese video app TikTok is seen on the side of the company’s new office space at the C3 campus in Culver City, in the westside of Los Angeles. – US tech giant Microsoft said September 13 its offer to buy TikTok was rejected, as a deadline looms for the Chinese-owned video app to sell or shut down its US operations. (Photo by Chris DELMAS / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)
TikTok has rapidly gained popularity, particularly among younger generations, due to its unique format of short-form video content that is easy to create and share. However, this popularity has also brought attention to the app’s security and data privacy practices. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, which has led to concerns over the Chinese government’s potential access to user data.
These concerns have led to various controversies, including accusations that TikTok has shared user data with the Chinese government, censorship of content related to sensitive topics, and concerns about user data being used for targeted advertising. These issues have raised questions about the app’s long-term viability and have even led to speculation about the possibility of TikTok being banned in the US.
Some experts believe that selling to a US company could alleviate these concerns and protect TikTok’s user base. A US-based company would be subject to US laws and regulations, which would address concerns about data privacy and national security. Additionally, selling to a US company could strengthen user trust and help TikTok maintain its popularity in the US market.
Overall, TikTok has faced both unprecedented success and significant challenges in recent years. As the app continues to navigate these issues, it will be essential to prioritize data privacy and security while also maintaining its unique format and user experience.
Why TikTok Should Consider Selling to a US Company
National Security Concerns: One of the primary reasons why TikTok should consider selling to a US company is to address concerns over national security. The US government has expressed concerns about the app’s ownership by a Chinese company and its access to US user data. This has led to calls for TikTok to sever its ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, and sell to a US company to alleviate security concerns.
Compliance with US Laws: Selling to a US company would ensure that TikTok complies with US laws and regulations. This includes compliance with data protection and privacy laws, which have become increasingly important in recent years. TikTok has faced criticism over its data privacy practices, and selling to a US company would demonstrate its commitment to following US laws and regulations.
Strengthening User Trust: Selling to a US company could help TikTok strengthen user trust. The app has faced accusations of sharing user data with the Chinese government, which has damaged its reputation and user trust. Selling to a US company could help rebuild trust by showing users that their data is being protected by a company that is subject to US laws and regulations.
The Likelihood of TikTok Getting Banned in the US
Earlier today, we published a Washington Post poll that found that over 40 percent of Americans want a TikTok ban. Polls are a big thing in American political decision-making process whether it be healthcare or climate change and with polls like this, the likelihood of TikTok getting banned keeps rising.
The possibility of TikTok getting banned in the US has been a topic of discussion for several months. In August 2020, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would ban TikTok in the US unless it was sold to a US company. However, the order was blocked by a federal judge in September 2020.
Since then, the situation has evolved, and the Biden administration has taken a more measured approach to TikTok. The administration has reviewed the national security concerns surrounding the app and is taking a closer look at the app’s data privacy practices. The administration has also paused the Trump-era executive orders that sought to ban the app.
While there is still a possibility that TikTok could be banned in the US, it seems unlikely at this point. The app has taken steps to address the concerns raised by the US government, such as hiring a US-based CEO and establishing a US-based data centre. TikTok has also implemented new data privacy policies and procedures to protect user data. These actions demonstrate TikTok’s commitment to compliance with US laws and regulations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, TikTok should consider selling to a US company to address concerns over national security, comply with US laws, and strengthen user trust. While there is still a possibility of TikTok getting banned in the US, it seems unlikely at this point. TikTok has taken steps to address the concerns raised by the US government, and the Biden administration is taking a more measured approach to the app. However, TikTok should continue to focus on compliance with US laws and regulations to ensure its continued success in the US market.
