Will TikTok be banned in the US? Here’s when, how, and why
TikTok is already banned in several countries, including India, which was one of its largest markets before the ban in June 2020.
TikTok be banned soon in the US due to its Chinese ownership and national security concerns. The app, which has acquired a huge user base in the US, could face serious restrictions unless its parent company, ByteDance, complies with new legislation. Here’s a detailed look at the situation, the possible implications, and how this might unfold.
Why the Threat of a Ban?
The controversy surrounding TikTok primarily revolves around its ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese company. US lawmakers and intelligence officials have expressed concerns that the Chinese government could leverage its influence over ByteDance to access sensitive data about American users or use the app for propaganda purposes. To counter this threat, a law was introduced and passed by Congress in April. This law requires ByteDance to either sell TikTok to a non-Chinese entity or face a ban in the US
President Joe Biden signed the bill into law, setting a deadline for ByteDance to act. The legislation grants ByteDance nine months to divest TikTok, with an additional three-month grace period if needed. This means TikTok must either find a new owner or face a US ban by January 19, 2025. However, TikTok has already launched a legal battle against the law, which could delay or even derail the ban if the courts rule in its favour.
What Happens if TikTok Banned?
If the law is enforced, the most straightforward way to ban TikTok would be by removing it from major app stores, such as those operated by Apple and Google. This would prevent new users from downloading the app and make it difficult for existing users to receive updates designed to improve security or fix bugs. Essentially, TikTok would become inaccessible to U.S. users through these platforms.
The legislation also provides the president with broad powers to restrict apps linked to countries deemed as US adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. This could involve not only blocking new downloads but also stopping the maintenance and updating of these apps within the U.S.
Impact of a Potential Ban
TikTok has claimed that a US ban would have a severe impact on free speech, particularly for its 170 million users in the US The company and ByteDance have repeatedly denied any links to the Chinese government and argue that the law is unconstitutional. They claim that it would effectively silence their American user base and limit their freedom of expression.
Where Else Is TikTok Banned?
TikTok is already banned in several countries, including India, which was one of its largest markets before the ban in June 2020. The app also has no access in Iran, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Somalia. In addition, the UK and the European Commission have restricted TikTok on work devices due to security concerns, and the BBC has advised its staff to remove TikTok from corporate phones. The new US legislation might inspire similar actions in other countries concerned about national security.
The legal challenge against the new US law is ongoing, and the outcome will significantly influence TikTok’s future in the country. TikTok started the court case in early May to stop the new law. If successful, TikTok could avoid a ban and continue operating in the US. However, if the legislation stands, ByteDance will need to act quickly to either sell TikTok or face its removal from the American market.
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