US Rolls Out TikTok Restrictions; Here’s What You Need to Know About Recent Bans
TikTok, the popular social media app known for its short-form video content, is facing increasing bans and restrictions in the United States at both the state and federal levels. Some lawmakers are even trying to block the app in the country altogether.
As reported by USA Today, the US Senate introduced legislation this week banning the use of the video platform on government equipment. Some state lawmakers have also restricted TikTok on state devices, and officials in the Senate and House have introduced legislation banning TikTok from coast to coast.
US ban on TikTok
The push to ban TikTok comes amid growing concerns about the app’s data collection practices and its potential ties to the Chinese government. Concerns have been raised about the app’s potential to spread misinformation and influence public opinion.
According to an investigation by software expert Felix Krause, TikTok can track every tap you make on its iOS app as you navigate. This includes important information such as passwords you type and links you visit.
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Such discoveries prompted regulators to ban the Chinese app from being available to some segments of the population. According to the same USA TODAY article, FBI Director Christopher Wray was concerned earlier this month that Chinese officials could change the app’s algorithm. He also said that China could use the app to get information about users.
In response to these concerns, several states have already implemented bans on TikTok for use by government employees, and the federal government is also considering similar restrictions. Additionally, in August 2020, the Trump administration issued an executive order banning transactions with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, citing national security concerns.
Growing numbers
TikTok, the social video app known for its short-form content, continues to gain popularity in the United States. According to recent projections from Statista, the app has approximately 86.9 million users in the United States in 2021, with this figure expected to grow by approximately 8% year-on-year to reach 94 million users in 2022.
Despite its popularity among users, TikTok has faced increasing scrutiny and criticism in recent months. The company has repeatedly denied any ties to the Chinese government and has stated that it stores user data in the United States and Singapore. However, more than these reassurances were needed to ease the concerns of some lawmakers and government officials.
While the debate over TikTok’s future continues in the United States, it remains to be seen which state and federal authorities will take further action.
TikTok is becoming increasingly popular among younger users, especially among influencers who have established careers by sharing videos promoting products aimed specifically at Generation Z.
According to Forbes, as bipartisan legislation seeks to ban the popular Chinese social media app TikTok from operating in the United States, it will shut down a lucrative route for influencers and their sponsors.
Related article: TikTok can track every tap you make on other sites via iOS app, new research claims
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