The recent decision to ban an app cherished by millions, TikTok, in the United States, was a significant overreach of power that put many American users at risk of losing access. This essential platform that has become core to social interactions, creative expression and small businesses. Last year, U.S lawmakers forced TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell the app to any U.S. buyer or get removed from Apple and Google stores on Jan. 19. As a result of this effort against TikTok, the app sued the court to block the law with the reasoning that it prohibited constitutional rights to speech and expression.
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the law last Friday; so in return, TikTok voluntarily shut down access to American users late at night on Jan. 18 yet, was restored 14 hours later on Sunday evening. Nevertheless, the restoration of the app did not come without a setback: Trump’s executive order delayed the ban only by 75 days.
Despite TikTok coming back, the possible banning of TikTok highlights the tension between government management and American users’ rights in utilizing worldwide platforms, consequently bringing into light the issues of the threat to the freedom of expression and the regulation of the digital platforms.
“I strongly believe that the TikTok ban was a terrible idea, because the app allows people to explore, share and learn something new every day. Rather than doing damage to people, I feel like this app helps people to exchange cultures and positivity. I personally use TikTok every day and aside from it being my main source of entertainment, one thing I give thanks to the app for is that I have been able to learn how to crochet and bake new recipes,” sophomore Sol Fernandez said.
Having up to 170 million American active users, TikTok is a great lane for small businesses in terms of revenue generation that no other app can give. For many, it is the best way to reach customers who use the platform as a way to discover local hidden treasures, like a new restaurant or unique products. This ban will not only suffocate economic growth for small entrepreneurs but also rob users of a vital discovery tool.
“Being on NewsTok, I have seen so many events, people, and information that happens globally and in the [United] States. I gained so much information on the many things that happen every day, whether it be the California fires or the ceasing of Isreal and Hamas all only from TikTok. I feel like they couldn’t make it more clear to the public that they are genuinely trying to take control of the media and stop us from seeing the true reality of how corrupt our government is,” senior Bridghett Vazquez said.
If this ban is lifted in consideration of TikTok giving up 50% ownership to the US government, this could effectively be the commencement of censorship and control of the media. Instead of an attack on the content that is being publicized, the decision of it being aimed at ownership raises very serious questions about privacy, free speech and further unconstitutional power.
“The ‘national security’ justification for censorship is blatantly overused and transparent. When you think about it, is it actually healthy for the U.S. to have control of the media you consume? META and X are both U.S. companies that need to obey to any orders given by the government and now they want to remove the largest non-American alternative to return to that same authority on media that we consume. That’s the only concerning thing here,” sophomore Sofia Duarte said.
Even with an executive order to delay the ban, TikTok still cannot be downloaded from major app stores such as Google Play and the Apple App Store. In that case, new users and old users, who may have deleted the app in hopes of making more storage, would not be able to download it. While there may be temporary loopholes, the reality is that millions of Americans are now cut off from a platform that has become an integral part of daily life. Not being able to use TikTok limits not only entertainment but also disrupts business opportunities, content creation and world news currently being posted. Far from listening to and addressing valid security concerns in a considered manner, this move has caused an irreparable disruption to a platform on which millions depend for connectivity, knowledge and income.
“After Biden confirmed that there was an oligarchy rising in America, I felt like this ban would be the start of something bad. In history, it is known that tyrants and dictators ban media. Once a government bans one type of such large media, the way they are headed cannot be good,” sophomore Lea Perez said.
As the future approaches world governments trying to come to terms with the ever-growing power of technology giants will have to find a balance that protects national security without sacrificing the free internet that supports millions of businesses, creators and consumers. Hence, future relationships with media and governments will have to be thoughtfully crafted to ensure that events like this will not sacrifice the rights and freedoms of users.
