JUST IN: US Govt Set To Ban TikTok Usage From The Country– Reasons 

JUST IN: US Govt Set To Ban TikTok Usage From The Country– Reasons 

The future of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance as a potential ban approaches, however the incoming administration under Donald Trump has suggested it may keep the platform operational.

This uncertainty has prompted some American users to explore alternative social media platforms, while individuals in other countries express worries about the global implications of a US ban on TikTok.

Here’s a closer examination of what might unfold regarding TikTok, the reasons behind these developments, and the broader impact on users worldwide.

– Why is TikTok under threat of a ban in the US?

Last April, President Joe Biden enacted legislation that requires TikTok to sever its ties with its parent company, ByteDance, a firm based in China. The US government perceives ByteDance’s ownership of TikTok as a potential national security risk.

The Justice Department has articulated two primary worries regarding TikTok and ByteDance: the vast amount of data TikTok gathers, which could potentially be accessed by the Chinese government, and the possibility that the recommendation algorithm could be influenced by Beijing.

In response to these concerns, US authorities have mandated that TikTok must divest itself from ByteDance to remain operational in the US market.

The deadline for this separation is set for January 19—just before Biden’s departure from office and Trump’s inauguration—marking a significant moment, given their differing perspectives on the issue.

In light of these American apprehensions, TikTok has consistently asserted that it does not share user data with the Chinese government, cautioning that a split would leave the US version of TikTok significantly diminished and less impactful.

– Will TikTok cease to operate in the US when the ban takes effect?

The answer remains elusive. An official from the outgoing Biden administration indicated that the president would not implement the ban prior to handing over power on January 20. This creates a layer of uncertainty regarding the app’s future in the United States.

As it stands, reports suggests that TikTok will remain operational for the time being, as discussions for a possible resolution are ongoing. However, the app’s future in the United States is still uncertain.

Experts believe that while existing users will retain access to the app after the law goes into effect on January 19, new downloads will be prohibited, and updates will no longer be available. The ultimate decision regarding TikTok’s status will rest with the incoming President Trump.

Although he previously advocated for a ban during his first term, he is now indicating a desire to seek a way to keep the platform accessible.

There are discussions about potential strategies to achieve this, whether through negotiating a sale or exploring alternative solutions.

Additionally, TikTok made a last-minute legal effort to challenge the ban as unconstitutional under free speech rights.

However, on Friday, the US Supreme Court rejected this appeal and upheld the law prohibiting the app.