TikTok's National Security Concerns
US President Joe Biden has recently called for an outright ban or for the US part of a Chinese-owned tech company to be sold to a domestic buyer, citing national security concerns. The company in question is TikTok, a popular short-form video-sharing app that has taken the world by storm in recent years, particularly among younger generations.
The controversy surrounding TikTok began when US officials expressed concerns that the app, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could be used to collect sensitive user data and send it back to the Chinese government. This fear stems from China's strict internet censorship laws and its history of using technology to surveil its citizens.
The Trump administration took a hardline stance on TikTok, issuing an executive order in August 2020 that would have banned the app from operating in the US entirely. However, that order was put on hold by a federal judge in September, and negotiations between ByteDance and potential US buyers began.
Now, under the Biden administration, the issue has once again come to the forefront. In an executive order signed on June 9th, President Biden directed the Commerce Department to review apps with ties to foreign adversaries, such as China, and to take action to address any national security concerns they may pose.
As part of this review, the Biden administration has suggested that TikTok be sold to a domestic buyer, or that the US part of the company be spun off entirely. This move would effectively remove ByteDance's control over TikTok's US operations and address concerns about the company's data practices.
However, ByteDance has not been willing to relinquish control of TikTok so easily. The company has argued that it takes user data privacy seriously and has taken steps to address the concerns raised by US officials. For example, TikTok has established a US-based data center and hired a US-based CEO to oversee its operations in the country.
ByteDance has also taken legal action against the Trump administration's attempts to ban TikTok, arguing that the executive order was politically motivated and violated the company's rights. These legal challenges are ongoing, and it remains to be seen how they will be affected by the Biden administration's new review.
The situation with TikTok is complicated by the fact that it has become so popular among US users, particularly younger generations. The app has been downloaded more than 2 billion times worldwide and has more than 100 million active users in the US alone. For many young people, TikTok has become an important platform for self-expression, creativity, and community building.
Given the app's popularity, any move to ban or restrict TikTok would likely face strong opposition from its users. This is particularly true given the contentious political climate in the US, where many people feel that their freedom of speech is under attack.
However, the Biden administration's concerns about national security cannot be ignored. It is clear that the US government sees China as a major strategic rival and is taking steps to limit its influence in the tech sector. TikTok, as a Chinese-owned app with access to vast amounts of user data, is a potential target for these efforts.
So, what will happen to TikTok? It is hard to say at this point. The Biden administration's review is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether TikTok will be sold to a domestic buyer or spun off entirely. It is also possible that ByteDance could challenge any action taken by the US government in court.
Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the controversy surrounding TikTok is not going away anytime soon. As technology continues to play an increasingly important role in our lives, the intersection between national security and personal privacy will only become more complex. The case of TikTok may serve as a bellwether for how this tension will play out in the years to come.
