Down With the Talk: The Battle Over TikTok

Essentially, with TikTok, I have the right to sell it or close it,” says President Trump. In a bold and controversial move, Congress has officially voted to ban TikTok in the United States, citing national security concerns. This is the second attempt to outlaw the app, but unlike previous efforts, this push has gained strong, neutral support. Lawmakers argue that Tiktok’s data collection practices could allow the Chinese government to access personal information from American users, raising serious concerns about privacy and foreign influence. The debate over TikTok’s security risks isn’t new. In 2020, the Trump administration attempted to ban the app, but legal challenges stalled the effort. In 2021, the Biden administration took a more cautious approach, launching a security review but ultimately deciding against an immediate ban. Now lawmakers see TikTok as a potential tool for government spying instead of another entertainment platform for viewers. With growing fears of Chinese influence in American digital spaces, this latest ban has received more substantial support than ever, making it more likely to stick.
            In 2016, the giant company ByteDance launched TikTok. It quickly became a global sensation, particularly among Gen Z, thanks to its unique algorithm that creates highly engaging short videos. Unlike traditional social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, which rely heavily on users following accounts, TikTok’s algorithm delivers personalized content based on user interaction, making it incredibly addictive. The app has reshaped social media, launching viral trends, dance crazes, and new forms of online activism. “I love the comment section on TikTok; how people are complimented has become so creative. Like I tell myself, ‘I must start complimenting people like that in real life,’” laughs Ahkira (27).  It has also provided opportunities for influencers, musicians, small businesses, and even political campaigns to connect with massive audiences in ways that other platforms can’t match. For many Americans, especially young users, TikTok is more than just an app; it’s a creative outlet, news source, and even a way to make money. Mr. Bell enjoys getting ideas from other people, especially as a teacher, “I can see what they’re doing and how successful they are and adapt it for my class.” However, TikTok’s massive reach has also raised alarms. Critics argue that because ByteDance is a Chinese company, the app poses a security risk, with fears that the Chinese government could access user data. TikTok has repeatedly denied these claims, insisting that U.S. user data is stored domestically and that the app is operated independently. Still, with over 100 million American users, surveillance and foreign influence concerns remain strong enough for Congress to take drastic action.
            Although Congress has voted to move forward with the ban, a 75-day extension has been implemented, allowing TikTok to continue operating. At the same time, the government finalizes the logistics of the ban. After the extension expires, the app could face a complete shutdown in the U.S. unless ByteDance sells its operations to a U.S.-based company. If the ban is fully enforced, it could set a significant precedent for

how the U.S. government handles foreign-owned apps in the future. It would also spark a more substantial debate about digital rights and government overreach. While national security concerns are at the heart of the decision, many Americans, especially younger users, view the ban as an infringement on free expression and online culture. Some see it as the government interfering with their digital choices, raising questions about how far lawmakers should regulate social media platforms. “I think they need to reevaluate their choices. If they’re going to ban it, they need to have hard factual evidence and not just make assumptions,” states Mr. Bell.
          

The reaction to the ban has been intense. Many Gen Z users are frustrated viewing TikTok as essential to their daily lives. Influence and content audience, revenue streams, and small businesses that use TikTok to promote products fear a significant loss in engagement. Meanwhile, others believe the ban is necessary for users’ mental health as “people are becoming ‘brain rotted’” Abbie (25). Carreina (27) says that she even deleted the app when it was banned on January 19th and felt it was the best overall decision for her productivity. This decision also comes at a time when other countries are tightening restrictions on social media apps for kids under 16, citing concerns about mental health and online safety. The U.S. TikTok ban might be just the beginning of a more significant movement toward stricter regulation on digital platforms. 
            With TikTok’s fate hanging in the balance, the U.S. is entering a new era of digital policy. This ban could pave the way for further restrictions on other apps, particularly those with foreign ties. The debate over privacy, data security, and government control of online platforms is far from over. For now, millions of TikTok users are left wondering what comes next. Will other platforms be able to fill the gap, or will users find ways to bypass the ban? More importantly, does this signal a future where governments play a more significant role in controlling what people can and can’t access online? As the 90-day extension winds down, one thing is clear: this decision will shape the future of social media in America for years to come.