Called a Threat to National Security, TikTok Faces Potential Ban in the United States

Kapanlagi.com - The social media application that is currently popular among many people, TikTok, is now on the brink of a ban in the United States starting January 19, 2025. This threat emerged after President Joe Biden signed legislation requiring TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its assets in the US.

The US government argues that TikTok poses risks to national security, particularly concerning fears that user data could fall into the hands of the Chinese government. In this situation, ByteDance is under significant pressure to meet the established deadline or face the possibility of a total ban.

The debate over this policy continues, with several parties opposing the ban as it is seen as a threat to free speech. On the other hand, the US Supreme Court is scheduled to review TikTok's arguments in a hearing set for January 10, 2025.

Here are the complete facts:

1. The Reasons Behind the Threat of TikTok Ban in America: Concerns About National Security

In a sharp focus on user data security, the US government threatens to ban TikTok, a platform that is currently popular among many. According to usatoday.com, these concerns arise because ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok based in China, is allegedly obligated to hand over user data if requested by the Chinese government.

A new law passed in April 2024 requires ByteDance to sell TikTok by January 19, 2025, or else the app will be forced to shut down in the US, compelling internet service providers to block access to it.

Fears of foreign influence and misuse of personal data underpin this policy, with President Biden asserting that the move is an effort to protect national security amid escalating tensions with China.

2. Legal Steps for TikTok Against the Ban: A Policy That Violates Freedom of Speech

ByteDance is not staying silent in the face of legal challenges, boldly suing the ban imposed by the US government in the Supreme Court. TikTok asserts that this policy violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects freedom of speech.

Not only that, eight content creators from the platform have also united in the lawsuit, emphasizing that this ban threatens their freedom of expression, which has made TikTok an important platform for building community and voicing opinions.

All eyes are now on January 10, 2025, when the Supreme Court will review this case, which could determine the fate of TikTok: whether it will continue to operate or be forced to divest through a sale.

3. Sale Alternatives and Potential Solutions

ByteDance is now at a crossroads, considering various steps to comply with applicable laws, including the possibility of selling TikTok's assets in the US to local investors. One US billionaire, Frank McCourt, has expressed interest in acquiring this popular platform.

However, the sale process is not as simple as turning over a hand, as TikTok's highly valuable algorithm is considered intellectual property protected by the Chinese government. This means ByteDance may have to relinquish control over the algorithm, which could significantly impact the user experience.

On the other hand, former President Donald Trump, who was previously vocal in supporting the TikTok ban, is now showing a softer stance by offering to engage in political negotiations to save this beloved platform.

4. Impact of the Ban on Users and Jobs

If this ban is implemented, more than 170 million TikTok users in the United States will lose access to a platform that has become a stage for the creative community to share their work and reach a wider audience.

With around 7,000 employees facing uncertain futures, the closure of TikTok will not only harm creators who rely on this app for income and business promotion, but it could also shake the digital ecosystem in the US and have a significant impact on the global social media market.

Of course, this blocking effort has sparked strong protests from creators who feel their rights to expression and communication are threatened. "The TikTok blocking law will strip us and all citizens of this very important means of expression," said one creator, as reported by ANTARA.

5. The Future of TikTok in the US: Is There Help from Trump?

The fate of TikTok is now hanging by a thread, awaiting the Supreme Court's decision on January 10 and the outcome of negotiations between ByteDance and the US government. If an agreement is not reached by January 19, this popular app faces the threat of being permanently blocked, forcing users and creators in the US to remain vigilant and prepare for this bitter possibility.

ByteDance is urged to finalize negotiations promptly to avoid blocking, which would not only impact millions of users but also reflect the US's firmness in maintaining data security in the digital era.

Amid this situation, the elected president of the US, Donald Trump, who is returning to office, revealed that TikTok is one of the platforms that contributed to his victory in the elections. "This is a difficult decision to make, a hot topic in my heart, and we will be looking into it," Trump stated at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago last December.

6. Why is TikTok threatened with a ban in the US?

TikTok is now under scrutiny due to allegations that the app could threaten user data security, thanks to its close ties with the Chinese government through its parent company, ByteDance.

7. When will TikTok be banned in the US?

Starting January 19, 2025, TikTok is at risk of being blocked in the United States if its parent company, ByteDance, does not promptly sell its assets in the land of Uncle Sam. This tension creates uncertainty for millions of users and fans of the short video platform that has become an integral part of daily life.

8. Is there a way to save TikTok in the US?

ByteDance is considering strategic steps by selling TikTok to local investors or reaching a smart legal agreement to avoid the potential ban. In an effort to sustain this beloved platform, the Chinese company is striving to find the right solution to ensure TikTok can continue to operate smoothly in the market.

9. What is the impact of the TikTok ban on users in the US?

Users will have to say goodbye to the app they love, while thousands of TikTok employees in the United States face the worrying threat of job loss.

(kpl/srr)