As everyone likely knows by now, the popular app TikTok has gone down due to a ban related to its Chinese ownership. Let’s take a look at what this means and what people are doing about it. We’ll also talk about if it’s likely to come back.
Why TikTok is being banned
TikTok faced a ban in the United States due to concerns over national security. The Chinese company ByteDance owns it, and its data collection practices have been under scrutiny. U.S. officials are concerned that the Chinese government could potentially access TikTok’s vast trove of user data, which includes everything from browsing habits to location information.
The Supreme Court recently upheld the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), which mandates the TikTok ban. The ruling emphasized that TikTok’s ownership structure presented a critical risk despite any measures the company had implemented to safeguard user data.
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Will TikTok come back?
There remains a possibility that TikTok could return to the U.S. market under new ownership. President-elect Donald Trump has signaled an interest in collaborating with TikTok to allow its operations to resume, suggesting a potential 90-day extension for ByteDance to finalize a sale of its U.S. assets. However, he says he needs more time to think it over before making any decisions.
Several people have expressed interest in purchasing the property, including Elon Musk, Steven Mnuchin, and Bobby Kotick, and such a sale may allow TikTok to return.
How users are getting around the ban?
The TikTok ban has left millions of users searching for alternatives or workarounds to continue accessing the platform. Many are turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions and mask their locations. VPNs can reroute internet traffic through servers in other countries, making it appear as though users are accessing TikTok from outside the U.S. However, experts warn that VPNs may not guarantee a smooth experience, as data transmission issues and app compatibility can pose significant hurdles.
A virtual private network also has a learning curve and can also be costly for those who are used to using the free app.
Others are shifting their focus to alternative platforms that offer similar features. For instance, apps like Xiaohongshu (also known as REDnote) have gained a lot of traction among American users, but this app, too, might face the same ban down the road.
What users are doing instead
With TikTok no longer available, users are exploring various platforms to maintain their digital presence. Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat Spotlight have seen an uptick in activity as creators look to engage audiences with short-form video content. These platforms offer similar features, allowing users to adapt their content strategies while maintaining visibility and interaction.
Unfortunately for others, it may be time to start reevaluating their online strategies to avoid overreliance on a single platform.
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